Rhonda Kay Baker

Rhonda Kay Russell Baker, 69 of Columbus, Georgia passed away peacefully at Orchard View on February 10, 2026. She was born October 9, 1956, in Fort Sill, Arkansas to Thomas Leo Russell and Maureen Greenway Russell. During her childhood she lived in Arkansas and Germany before moving to Columbus where she graduated from Jordan High School and later attended Columbus College where she became a Respiratory Therapist.

She worked as a Respiratory Therapist for 18 years, helping other people, which was a passion to her. Rhonda was a giving spirit, on and off the job, even if to her own detriment. She was the type of soul that would gladly take the shirt off her back to help another. Her joy was manifested simply by being in the presence of those she loved.

Rhonda had dogs most of her life. She absolutely loved dogs and had a bond of kinship with them. Her love for dogs began in her childhood with a beagle named Floppy and continued from there. As life unfolded, two more dogs, Bo and Bear added to her joy. She did have one cat named Spooky that added to her happiness through those years. Dakota, a black lab was the last pet love of her life.

She was predeceased by her parents, and her husband, Scott F. Baker, who she tirelessly cared for and devoted her life to until his death, a brother, Thomas Franklin Russell, sister In law, Jean Russell, and Jean’s daughter, Alisa Driscoll. She is survived by her nephew Benjamin Thomas Russell (Lisa), and great nieces and nephews, Hillary Denise Russell, James Adam Russell, Samantha Kay Russell, Jean’s children, Rhonda Mintz Satterfield, MacArthur (Art) Mintz, and a devoted lifetime friend and caregiver, Kaye Bailey Sinkule, and Kaye’s daughter, Katharine Ruth Hart (Christian) as well as Kaye’s beloved dog Hamilton (Hammy) that Rhonda loved and cared for as her own.

Orchard View and Gentiva Hospice gave Rhonda very loving care toward the end of her life. Their skillful, kind, and most helpful dedication enabled the last season and days of her life here with us more peaceful and painless, not only for her, but also for the family.

After all the love Rhonda poured into the lives of so many, she passed through the veil where she will never ever again know sorrow or pain or suffering. We thank the good Lord for her life among us.

Donations in her memory are greatly appreciated and can be made in her name to any local animal shelter.