Phyllis Jean Baker January 15, 1936 - January 24, 2012

Phyllis Jean Baker, age 76 of Ozark, Mo. passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2012 in Cox South Hospital, Springfield, Mo. She was born January 15, 1936, at Quapaw, Oklahoma, daughter of Todd and Leona (Highly) Holden. On March 20, 1954 she was united in marriage to Richard Baker at the First Methodist Church of Quapaw, Oklahoma and this union was blessed with two sons, Richard Dean Baker, Jr. and Barry Todd Baker. She graduated from Baxter Springs High School and later graduated from Kansas State College in Pittsburgh, Kansas. Phyllis used her college degree as a teacher for thirty six years. She loved to teach and make an impact on children’s lives. After her retirement she continued to futher her love of knowledge by reading and watching documentaries on television. She also enjoyed caring for her home and visiting with friends. Phyllis was an excellent cook and especially enjoyed spending time with her family. Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents and grandson Aaron Todd Baker. Phyllis is survived by her husband Richard, son Rick Baker and wife Susie, Harrison, Arkansas; son Barry Baker, Ozark, Mo.; five grandchildren Clifton, Ricky and Mark Baker, Harrison; Brian and Brianna Baker, Ozark; three great-grandchildren, Ricky, Alley and Jacklynn Baker, Harrison.; one brother Gary Holden, Vinita, Ok. and one sister Susie Pollard, Galena, Mo.; other relatives and many friends. Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, January 30, 2012 in Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark. Visitation will be 1:00p.m. to service time in the funeral home. Burial will be 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 31, 2012 in Missouri Veterans Cemetery; Springfield, Mo. Cremation was under the care and direction of Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark. On line condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com