Tamara (Tam) Marie Baker was born in Webster, South Dakota, on February 11, 1940. She died peacefully on June 1, 2025, in Sioux Falls, SD, surrounded by her family, whom she loved fiercely throughout her life. Tam was preceded in death by her parents, Wendell (Bennie) Ullyot and Pearl Ullyot. She is survived by her twin daughters Sarah (Mike) Hogg of Sioux Falls, SD, and Elizabeth (Amril) Baker of Sioux Falls, SD; grandchildren Molly Hogg, Carter Hogg, Isabelle Neuschatz, and Eloise Neuschatz; sister Wendi (Fred) Wong of Honolulu, HI; brother Issac (Rebecca) Ullyot of Prescott, AZ; and many special friends and relatives, including Fred Reiner and Karla Ball, both of Sioux Falls, SD.

Tamara grew up and graduated from high school in Clark, South Dakota, where she was elected Girls State Governor in 1957. She graduated from the University of South Dakota, where she was a member of Pi Beta Phi, honorary Caudate Colonel, and Ms. Dakota, earning a bachelor's degree in English Education. After graduation, Tam spent a year at the University of Kentucky pursuing graduate studies in education and overseeing the establishment of a new Pi Beta Phi chapter.

Tamara was a lifelong teacher first at Washington High School in Sioux Falls, and later as a beloved yoga instructor for more than 30 years, teaching well into her 70s. She shared her passion for yoga with others, cultivating strength, presence, and community.

Tamara was deeply devoted to serving her community. She served an eight-year term on the Sioux Falls City Council, was a long-standing member of the biomedical ethics committee at Sioux Valley Hospital for over 20 years, and broke new ground as the first woman chair of the YMCA Board of Directors. She also chaired the Sioux Falls Homeless Coalition, was an active member of P.E.O., and lent her leadership and heart to many other civic efforts.

A woman of strong and enduring faith, Tam was an active member of First Congregational Church since 1965, serving in numerous leadership roles throughout the years.

In addition to her passion for service, Tam loved animals especially her cherished companions Easter, Jimbo, Buffy, Hilde, Gorby, Tuna, Lilly, Lulu, and Theo. She found great joy in reading, playing mahjong, listening to music, traveling, and discovering new experiences. Ever adventurous, she soloed her first airplane at the age of 16. Her life was guided by curiosity, compassion, and an open heart.

To honor Tam, adopt an animal or perform an act of service. Memorials can be directed to Greater Good Charities online at www.greatergood.org/tambaker to support causes Tam cared about. Mailed donations can be sent to Greater Good Charities, PMB 138,1700 7th Ave., Suite 116, Seattle, WA 98101.

A "Celebration of Life" will be held Monday, June 9th, at 10:30 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 300 South Minnesota Avenue Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57104.