Geraldine Mantei was born on July 8, 1951, to Agnes and Jacob Mantei, in Brewster, WA.  Her family moved many times during her youth.  They lived in Seeley Lake, Montana, when she was a teenager, and she went to Seeley Swan High School.  She was a cheerleader for a couple years.  As a member of the Future Homemakers of America, she held the office of Historian and was a delegate at the F.H.A. State Convention. Geri graduated from Seeley Swan High School in 1969.

In July of 1969, Geri married Howard Baker.  They moved to Deer Park, WA, in 1977.  This is where they raised their daughters Melanie and Leslie.  Geri was involved in their school activities, a leader for her daughters' Bluebird and Camp Fire Troops, and spent many summers driving the girls to Swim Team Competitions.  She and Howard also were on a bowling league for many years.

In 2004, she retired from working for the Riverside School District, where she was a Parapro Teacher's Aide for 19 years.  After that, she spent her time traveling and visiting her grandchildren as much as possible.

Geri is preceded in death by her mother Aggie, father Jake, and siblings: Shirley, Betty,  Pegi, and Jim.  She is survived by her husband Howard; daughter Melanie, son-in-law Scott, granddaughter Amber, and grandson Brent; daughter Leslie, and grandson Austin; and siblings: Thelma, Louise, Jacky, Dale, Mickey, Bobby, Olga, Sheena, Joleen, and Giles; and many brothers-in-law,  sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews and their families.