Andrea Goetze Baker

In Ecclesiastes 3:4 it is written, “a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance.'' As we pay tribute to our dear Andrea, we reflect on her life and how she touched so many lives in so many ways. At a very young age, Andrea was adopted by Katherine and Martin Goetze, of Sun River, Montana. She joined an older sister, Mary Katherine, who had been adopted several years prior. At first, Andrea was a very shy, quiet child, rarely uttering a word. As time evolved, the family's loving and supporting ways allowed Andrea to develop a sense of trust and confidence, and from that point on, she became quite unstoppable in anything she set her heart out to do. One of the places where Andrea demonstrated this new level of confidence was in dance. Upon encouragement from their mother, Katherine, she and her sister enrolled in dance lessons, a move that proved to be both advantageous for them and the community in which they lived. They shared their talents at numerous Sun River Valley events and special occasions. Even at a young age, casual observers would note Andrea’s natural ability at tap, ballet, and jazz. Andrea attended grade school in Sun River, Montana, in first through sixth grades. Because of a more convenient bus schedule, she transferred to Simms Junior Elementary School for 7th grade and graduated from Simms High School in 1968. Andrea also had a high level of academic achievements, even being presented a full-ride scholarship in Chemical Engineering from Montana State University in Bozeman. Andrea accepted the Montana State University scholarship for a year, but her heart was tugging for her return to her beloved Sun River Valley and the calmer country life it offered. In 1970, she married Ron Baker, and together they would pursue farming, where she tackled and conquered any agriculture chore, whether it be plowing a field or running a combine. They welcomed their only child, Colleen. Colleen blessed Andrea with her only grandchild, Morgan. Andrea was very proud of Morgan and wholeheartedly embraced being a grandmother. The following years were busy ones for Andrea. In no chronological order, Andrea and Ron continued focusing their efforts on farming and community involvement. In addition, they established an art and dance studio in Sun River, where Andrea spent countless hours teaching the youth of the community the art of dancing. Andrea and Ron relocated to Chinook, Montana, for a period of time. While there, Ron served as a classroom instructor, while Andrea continued her dance instruction. In addition, Andrea reignited her interest in academics, completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Technology from Northern Montana College. The completion of this degree was a true example of Andrea’s grit and determination in continuing to challenge herself. Ron and Andrea later divorced, but life did not remain stagnant for Andrea. Life was so busy for her. She focused on accounting for America Music in Great Falls. She also provided security for the TSA at the Great Falls International Airport. She instructed dance at Miss Linda’s School of Dance. She was a patient teacher, but also insisted that each student strive for proper technique in each dance style. Determined to put her business degree to use, she began managing rentals in the Great Falls area. She was described as a hands-on landlord, frequently repairing existing problems herself. Friends would smile when she commented that she “simply loved to paint!” As a landlord, one simply cannot imagine possessing a greater fondness than that. Community was very important to Andrea, and she contributed to it a great deal. She was a member of the Montana Landlord Association and also had a special place in her heart for the organization of Pet Paw-see. She was a member of Saint Ann’s Cathedral Parish in Great Falls, Montana, as well. Some might make casual observations that Andrea could be blunt to the point of abrasive, but those who truly knew Andrea commented that this trait could be quite refreshing because you always knew where she stood. She carried with her a wonderful sense of humor which often helped her find the best of a given situation. She was a hard worker and rarely backed down from a given challenge. Regrettably, due to dementia, Andrea departed from the earthly stage much too soon. Since there will be no encores from Andrea herself, if you choose, may we ask that you do one act of kindness as a tribute to Andrea? Andrea loved all animals, but particularly cats. In honor of her memory, perhaps donate to an animal shelter or adopt a stray cat and love it greatly. Andrea also had a special place in her heart for the elderly. She worked at such care facilities as the Golden Eagle Retirement Home and the Rainbow. With her caring nature, Andrea lovingly assisted each resident. In honor of her memory, perhaps donate to the Sapphire House in Great Falls or perform one random act of kindness for an elderly person that will lighten their load. And finally, if you are acquainted with someone who is personally facing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, in honor of Andrea’s memory, perhaps patiently listen to that individual’s story and offer a smile. This small action could change that individual’s world in a positive direction, even if it is only for a moment. In closing, the family would like to express gratitude for all those who have been so kind and supportive during our difficult journey of losing Andrea. Special note of appreciation is expressed to Sapphire House,Terri and Dan Wassmann, and the Zeller family. May you rest in peace, our dearest Andrea.