Donna was born September 29, 1931 in Gower, Missouri to Michael and Velma Quigley. She attended Gower School, grades 1-12. Prior to attending college she worked as a news correspondent for the St. Joseph Gazette. Donna attended the University of Missouri where she was selected as one of the “50 Outstanding” women on campus by the Theta Sigma Phi honorary professional journalism fraternity.
While at college she met “Wonderful Willard” and their 4-year courtship began. Donna graduated in 1953 and taught Home Economics in North Kansas City while Willard began a career as a pilot in the US Air Force. On August 7, 1955 they were united in marriage at Gower Christian Church. Together they spent 28 years in the Air Force traveling the world: Dover AFB, Delaware 1955-60; Maxwell AFB, Alabama 1960-61; Lajes Field, Azores 1961-65; Travis AFB, California 1965-69; Clark AB, Philippines 1969-71; Gower, Missouri (while Bill served a one-year tour in Viet Nam) 1971-72; Scott AFB., Illinois 1972-77; and Yokota AB, Japan 1977-80. During these years Donna served in many capacities: Brownie and Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout mom, attending their three children’s many athletic activities, being an active officer’s wife and entertaining often in their home.
She was an avid traveler and made sure to see all the attractions wherever they were stationed. She also went on to complete her graduate degree in counseling that led to a position as an elementary school counselor and later as an advisor to airmen wanting to enroll in college. In Japan, she also taught English to the local Japanese. After 28 years with the Air Force they retired and moved to Lenexa, Kansas. Donna became a successful realtor for Coldwell-Banker in the Kansas City area. In 1994 they moved into their dream home in Leawood, Kansas, where they lived for the next 18 years. Her love for travel continued taking them to Germany, France, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, China, Panama Canal, the Caribbean, Alaska, Hawaii and other areas throughout the continental United States. Her happiest times seemed to be those spent with her family, relatives and friends. Bill and Donna enjoyed being active church members as well as serving in other community organizations. In their twilight years they moved to Lakeview Retirement Village.
Donna is remembered for her vibrant personality, enthusiasm for life, her welcoming heart and giving spirit as wife, mother, aunt, sister, friend and professional. Donna is survived by her husband, Willard D. Baker, of Lenexa, Kansas; her daughter Cynthia Ann (Randy) Bright of Layton, Utah; Gregory Merrill (Julie) Baker of Branson, Missouri; Kent Cameron (Patty) Baker of Olathe, Kansas, and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sister Meredith Ann Hair of Littleton, Colorado, and Bette Rose Heck of Lawrence, Kansas.
A visitation will be held Friday, July 6, 2018 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer and Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road in Kansas City, Missouri. Funeral services will be at 10:00am, Saturday, July 7th at Church of the Resurrection, Wesley Chapel, 13720 Roe Avenue in Leawood, Kansas. A Celebration of Life will follow at 12:30pm at Lakeview Village, 9100 Park Street in the Community Center of Eastside Terrace, Lenexa, Kansas.
Memorial contributions may be made in Donna's name to the Alzheimer’s Association of Kansas City, 3846 West 75th Street, Prairie Village, Kansas 66208; (913) 831-3888; https://www.alz.org/kansascity/
