Lolita “Bonnie” Baker

The family of Lolita L. (Bonnie) Baker of Hutchinson, KS is saddened to announce her passing on April 1 at age 91. She was born on July 23, 1933, the daughter of Lee E. and Remona Phillips. She is survived by brother Harley Phillips, children Marcy Leslie (Ken), Brad Baker (Kathy), and Brent Baker, 13 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by companion Galen Green, her parents, sister Wanda Johnson (Paul), daughter Jana Tyler (Bill) and great grandson Caleb Leslie. Bonnie taught sixth grade at North Reno Elementary for twenty years and went on to become a lifelong educator and world traveler. She was an exchange teacher in Southhampton, England and spent many summers at Yale University teaching English to high school exchange students from Europe. She was chosen by The National Geographic Organization to attend a course in Washington, D.C., and as a member of the Friendship Force Organization, went to Novgorod, Russia to teach English. Since retirement, Bonnie has been a busy volunteer at the Kansas State Fair, Hutchinson Hospital, Fox Theatre, Red Cross, First Presbyterian Church, and a docent at the Cosmosphere. She received many education awards including Master Teacher. We rejoice that she is now with her “Master Teacher” in heaven. A Celebration of Life service is at First Presbyterian Church, Saturday, May 3 at 1:00 pm with reception to follow. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, Saturday, May 3 at 11:45 am. Donations in her name may be sent to the Cosmosphere or First Presbyterian Church.

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