Manhattan - Elsie J. Baker, 91, passed away Saturday, July 19, 2014 at Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan, Kansas. She was born on September 25, 1922 at Nash, Oklahoma, the daughter of James Roy and Ethel A. (Green) Morgan.

She lived in Tonkawa, Oklahoma for several years, working as a waitress in a diner. It was in Tonkawa that she met her husband, Harold E. Baker. They married on June 11, 1945. Elsie and Harold traveled and lived in several countries overseas, throughout his military career. They retired at McConnell AFB in Wichita in 1964. They moved to Dodge City in 1974, started Baker's Janitorial Service and served the 1st National Bank building for many years.

In recent years Elsie volunteered at Manor of the Plains and made special treats for residents on every holiday. She enjoyed playing dominos and going to Boothill Dinner Theatre with friends. Elsie enjoyed living at the North High Rise from 2001 until her recent move, due to health, in June of 2014 to Manhattan, Kansas to be close to family. Elsie had many friends the world over and her dear friend and caregiver, Kathie Schlereth, was always there to help her. Elsie loved her family dearly and created many great memories with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Mrs. Baker is survived by one son, Don Baker and wife Joanna (Tasset) Baker of Manhattan; four grandchildren, Melinda Keeling and husband Dave, Brenda Reid and husband Steve, Kent Baker and wife Michelle, and Tonya Disberger and husband Robert; 15 great grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Ruth Morgan, three nieces and four nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, three brothers, two sister-in-laws, and one brother-in-law.

Funeral service will be held at Swaim Funeral Home - 1901 Sixth Avenue - Dodge City, KS 67801 on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Jack Hanks presiding. Private entombment will follow at Scroggins Mausoleum in Dodge City. Visitation will be at Swaim Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 22, 2014 from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.. Memorials are suggested to Manor of the Plains Nursing Home in Dodge City or the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Manhattan in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.