Dianne Baker

Patricia Dianne Strohm Baker, age 70, of Knoxville passed away Tuesday, November 26, 2024 at Lifecare Center in Blount County. Dianne was born on January 6, 1954, to Patricia McManus Strohm and Douglas Clyde Strohm, in Knoxville, Tennessee, joining her older sister, Susan Louise, who was 13 months old. Her parents met during their careers in the Naval service in Corpus Christi, Texas, and the family subsequently resided in Knoxville, Tennessee. It was there that Dianne attended school in Knoxville and graduated from Fulton High School in 1972. Upon graduation Dianne went to work at Standard Knitting Mills.

During this time period, Dianne enjoyed listening to C.P. and Walker on WRJZ, and often provided jokes for their colleague Ernie Baker who had become a regular on the show. After using much of Dianne’s material, C.P. and Walker encouraged Ernie to ask Dianne for a date - thus becoming the beginning of a once in a lifetime, beautiful, and loving relationship. She and Ernie married on April 20, 1985, and then relocated to Nashville, Tennessee; and subsequently to Memphis, Tennessee, where Ernie pursued his career as an attorney, and Dianne worked as a medical office assistant Unfortunately, Ernie was diagnosed with cancer and died suddenly on August 31, 2001.

Dianne’s heart was truly broken, but she returned to Lenoir City, Tennessee, to be closer to her sister Susan and brother-in-law Chris. It was there she lived until her health began to decline in 2020, at which time she became a resident of the Lifecare Center in Blount County. Special thanks to the nurses and staff, who lovingly and caringly provided for her. However, in speaking with them, it was Dianne who brought comfort, joy, and laughter to them, as well as her unparalleled obsession with Elton John. Upon entering her room, you were always greeted with Elton’s music, memorabilia, and many books. It isn’t surprising that she was known to all as the Elton John Lady or to see UPS arriving daily with packages commemorating him, along with her favorite treat - Nutty Buddies.

Dianne will be especially remembered for her infectious laughter, kind-heartedness, and for the greatest love story ever told - the story of Ernie and Dianne. Dianne is a Christian and though saddened, we are comforted to know we will see her again. Dianne is also preceded in death by her parents, her sister Susan, and her beloved cats - Rosebud, Blossom, and Nikita. She is survived by her sister Gina; her brother-in-law Chris; and special Aunt Kathy; and many family members, including her beloved cousin Jill.

 Friends may call at their convenience from 3:30 until 5:00 PM, Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at Smith East Hall. Condolences may be shared at www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000 is servicing the family.