Body of Elvis superfan expected to return to Wales this week as friends mourn
By Jody Callahan, The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tenn. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Baker, the Elvis superfan who was killed here last weekend, spent three weeks in
Then, early last Sunday morning just hours after she celebrated her 54th birthday, a hit-and-run driver killed Baker as she crossed an exit ramp at
Although local friends had attempted to raise money to return her remains to
"(She just loved) that there was so much to do and the people were so friendly," said one of her local friends,
Herrada believes Baker's remains will be on their way home by Tuesday. Still, Baker's family is struggling with the unexpected burden, her daughter said via e-mail.
"My mum
During this trip, Baker had already visited
"My office is in the lobby of the hotel. She was in the lobby a lot on the computer. When the guests were staying for that length of time, we really got to know them," she said. "She was a special person. ... We watched after her to make sure she was OK. ... We would also make sure she had rides to places, make sure she knew the bus routes. Sometimes she would use up all her money before it was time to go home, so we'd have to find her a place to stay. Sometimes she would stay with us."
During her trips here, Baker made a point of visiting Graceland as many times as possible, once telling Herrada she'd been to The King's
In fact, right after Baker arrived in
"She heard his music as a little girl, and just loved it, as a lot of people over there do," Herrada said. "I know she just had a big passion for Elvis. He touched her in a special way."
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(c)2014 The Commercial Appeal (Memphis, Tenn.)
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