Ms Barbara Barb Lucille Baker

Barbara Lucille Baker was born on December 15th, 1946, to Marion and Opal “Lucille” Baker. She was the eldest child and had a brother, Larry Baker. “Barb” grew up in the northeast end of Kansas City and graduated from Northeast High School in 1964. She attended college at NWMSU graduating in 1968 with a degree in Health and Physical Education. She later attended CMSU and earned her Masters degree in Counseling. After 5 years teaching Health and Physical Education in the KCMOSD at Van Horn High School, Barb was accepted into the KCPD Training Academy. For the last 15 or so years of her KCPD career, Barb was promoted to a detective and assigned to the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Unit.

Barb loved her life and home, all her friends and neighbors and will be missed for so many things, especially her robust laugh and sense of humor. Her green thumb was also evident and she was happy share it with others. She passed away on September 18, 2014 after a severe stroke that paralyzed her brain stem making it impossible for her to breathe or for her heart to beat on its own. To a great extent, she died in her sleep.

Barb was preceeded in death by her parents and all her uncles and aunts except Ella Mae McGinness of Stillwater, MN. She leaves behind several cousins: Connie Green of Higginsville, Sallie Pointer of Lexington, Mark (Cheryl) Neeley of Indepedence, Brad (Susie) Neely of Denver, Joanie Schreck of Houston, David McGinness of Trenton, Lucretia Allen of Ravenwood, Jennifer McGinness of Maryville and Jerry McGinness of Stillwater, MN and Juanita Neely of Topeka, KS. Surviving at the home is longtime companion, Kathie Moore and two dog companions, Pixie and Nickie. RIP dear one—gone too soon!

Celebration of life will be at 11:00 AM, Monday, Sept. 22, at the White Chapel Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 10:00 – 11:00 AM, Monday, Sept. 22, at the funeral home. Memorials can be made to Wayside Waifs.