Berniece Grace Baker, 101, formerly of Wells died Monday, Nov. 6, 2017, in her home in St. Benedict’s Senior Community in Monticello.

Berniece was born June 27, 1916, in Wells to Harry A. and Violet A. (Babcock) Purdie. After graduating from Wells Public School in 1934, she worked for Purdy’s Art & Gift Studio in Wells for three years. She married Floyd L. Baker on Nov. 23, 1937. After Floyd’s death in 1990, she moved to Monticello to be closer to her daughter, Jean (Baker) Samuelson, and family. Berniece enjoyed sewing, gardening, knitting and other handwork. In later years she also added reading and puzzles. She always enjoyed getting together with family and friends and always looked forward to trips back to the Wells area with her daughter.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Floyd; four brothers; three sisters-in-law; one sister; three nieces and one nephew.

Berniece is survived by her daughter, Jean (Marlo) Samuelson, of Monticello; granddaughter, Tammy (Patrick) Gadbois, of Charlotte, North Carolina; grandson, Michael (Marta) Samuelson, of Maple Grove; one sister, Maxine (Bud) Thorson, of Wells; one sister-in-law, Ardean Brownie Purdie-Douma, of Mankato; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be at 2:30 p.m. today at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home, 255 Second Ave. SW in Wells, with visitation starting at 1:30 p.m.

Peterson-Grimsmo Chapel is handling the arrangements.