Joyce E. Baker

Joyce E. Baker, 81, of Altamont, died at 7:45 a.m., Monday, February 13, 2012, at her home. She was born June 17, 1930 in Altamont, Kansas to James L. and Lena I. (Lewis) Baker. She grew up and attended schools in Altamont and was a 1950 graduate of Labette County Community High School. Prior to marriage, she worked at Hallmark Cards in Parsons. She and Thomas L. "Tom" Baker were married in Winfield, Kansas. They made their family home in Altamont where they owned and operated Baker's Texaco service station for 52 years. She was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Altamont where her grandparents and great-grandparents were charter members. She also participated in the We Care and White Cross ladies' groups at the church, had served on the flower and food committees for numerous years, and in younger years was co-sponsor of the Ann Judson Guild. In 1985, Joyce and Tom were Altamont Sweethearts, for Flag Day, and were honored by the Lions Club for the Distinguished Service Award in 2006. She enjoyed cooking, decorating the bulletin board at the senior apartments, and spending time with her family and friends. She especially enjoyed attending her grandchildren's activities. Survivors include: Husband – Tom Baker of the home Two Daughters – Jerry Bolen and husband, Mike Altamont, KS Vicky Haraughty Altamont, KS Six Grandchildren – Todd Merrick and wife, Kim Webb City, MO Michelle Vance and fiancé, Danny Bernd Cherryvale, KS Shelley Gardner and husband, Mark Altamont, KS Greg Haraughty and wife, Hanna Altamont, KS Keli Hess and husband, Chris Gardner, KS Clint Vance Altamont, KS Five Great-Grandchildren – Sloane Vance, Ingrida Vance, Lauren Merrick, Nolan Haraughty and Jake Haraughty One Sister – Shirley Johnston and husband, Bill Vinita, OK She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Orville and Clyde Baker; son-in-law, Mitch Haraughty, on June 7, 2002; and niece, Glenda Thompson. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, February 16, 2012, at the First Baptist Church in Altamont. Burial will be in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7-8:00 p.m., Wednesday, at the Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home in Altamont. Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church in Altamont or PALS (Proud Animal Lovers Shelter) in Parsons. These may be left at or mailed to Bath-Forbes-Hoffman Funeral Home, P.O. Box 325, Altamont, KS 67330. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Joyce E. Baker, please visit our flower store.