Kathryn "Katy" Baker

Kathryn Baker, 92, died November 15, 2014 at the Washington County Hospital, Washington. A funeral service will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 19, 2014 at the United Methodist Church, Washington, KS. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. A private burial will be held at Abilene, KS. On November 24, 1921, Kathryn “Katy” was born to Oscar and Abigail (Whinery) Shafer at Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated from high school in Kansas City and decided to become a WAVE during WWII. She met John Baker at the Olathe Naval Air Station and they later married there. They were the first all-Navy wedding in the chapel on the base. John was a Methodist minister and they served churches in Wakefield, Delphos, Glasco, Washington, Phillipsburg and Jetmore. They retired to Abilene, John’s home town, and lived there until he passed away in 1987. Katy moved to Washington in 1989 to be near her daughter. Katy was a member of the United Methodist Church and the Modern Pioneers Study Club. It was Katy’s idea that the Methodist Church have a bell choir and was instrumental in getting it started. Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, John; two brothers; and four sisters. Survivors include her children, John (Vicki) Baker, Ft. Collins, CO, Charles (Nancy) Baker, Casa Grande, AZ, David (Cheerie) Baker, Council Grove, KS, Dan Baker, Washington, Mary Nelson, Leawood, KS, Ruth Ann (David) Fischer, Washington; a brother, Paul Shafer; grandchildren, Travis (Misty) Kier, Julie (Kevin) Carter, Andrew (Heather) Fischer, Rebecca Fischer, Susan (Ryan) Bruna, Hali (Collin) Bielser, Elizabeth Baker, Haley (Josh) Butler, Clay (AJ) Miller, Michaela Miller; great-grandchildren, Logan Kier, Hunter Kier, Lauren Fischer, Adam Fischer, Zoe Carter, Emma Carter, Ian Carter, Charlie Bruna, Lenore Butler, Sadie Butler, and Addy Butler. A memorial fund has been established to the United Methodist Church, KSDS, or to the donor’s choice. Contributions may be sent in care of Ward Funeral Home, Washington, KS. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kathryn "Katy" Baker, please visit our flower store.