Ruth Darlene Baker, known affectionately by those who loved her as "Nanny” or “Dee Dee,”gained her wings and walked through those pearly gates on May 2, 2026. A lifelong resident of Huntsville, Nanny was our guardian angel on Earth—the heart of our family and the person around whom our entire world revolved. She is now rejoicing in a place of no more pain or suffering, and while our lives feel changed forever, we know Heaven is a better place because she is there.

For 50 years, Nanny was married to her lifelong sweetheart, Larry “Papa” Baker. They were truly inseparable; where you saw one, the other was always there. Together, they shared a passion for antique car shows, often planning their months in advance to ensure they never missed an event.

Nanny was the ultimate caretaker and the most selfless person we’ve ever known. She was a truly gifted cook who took great pride in feeding those she loved, always making sure her famous potato salad and coleslaw were ready for every holiday and event. She cherished her Sundays spent out at the lake visiting with her son and daughter-in-law and soaking up every moment with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Nanny was also the first to call on every birthday and the first to check in if you were sick, never stopping until she knew you were okay. She had a deep love for animals and throughout her life, she always had a dog by her side that she loved and doted on just like one of her children.

Nanny was a woman of delightful traditions and unconditional love. She never went anywhere without her bag of Dr. Peppers and was a devoted fan of Alabama football. Every Friday during the season, she would call to find out exactly what time the Tide was playing.

She had a heart of gold and a sass like no other. Nanny was a genuine person in every sense of the word; she was completely down-to-earth and never hesitated to speak her mind. You always knew where you stood with her, and her honesty was as much a part of her charm as her laughter. She was also the unofficial eyes and ears of the neighborhood, always keeping a watchful eye out to make sure everything was as it should be. The daily phone calls that always started with, “Hey babe,” followed by her wanting to hear every detail of your day, are memories we will cherish forever. Nanny didn’t just say she loved people; she showed it in everything she did, treating every friend like her own.

Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, Cleveland Swinford and Ruth Clemons Kramer, her brother, Eddie Swinford, and brother-in-law, Jimmy Baker.

The family invites friends and loved ones to celebrate Darlene's life during a visitation on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Per her wishes, there will be no formal funeral service to follow.

"Nanny, you are irreplaceable in every way imaginable. You will always be our hero, our favorite person, and the greatest woman to ever walk this Earth. We love you, always and forever."