Karen Baker, 69, passed away peacefully at her home in Dodge City on July 2, 2026. She was born on February 4, 1957, in Dodge City to Jess H. and Betty (Morris) Rucker.

Karen graduated from Dodge City High School in 1975 and went on to pursue her passion for education. She earned her bachelor's degree through Northern Oklahoma College in Tonkawa, Oklahoma and Emporia State University before achieving her cherished Master of Education degree from Kansas State University. Teaching was more than a career for Karen-it was her calling. She began teaching first grade at Montezuma Elementary School and spent the next 43 years helping young children learn, grow, and believe in themselves. The countless students whose lives she touched are part of the lasting legacy she leaves behind. She retired from the classroom in 2021.

On July 21st, 1979, Karen married the love of her life, Ted Baker, at the Presbyterian Church in Dodge City. Karen was deeply involved in both her church and the Wilroads community, serving on community and church boards and always willing to lend a helping hand wherever she was needed.

After retiring, Karen found happiness in painting beautiful barn quilts and traveling whenever the opportunity arose. Her home was also shared with the many cats and dogs she lovingly cared for over the years, a reflection of the compassion she showed to all living things.

Karen is survived by her beloved husband, Ted Baker of Wilroads Gardens; her children, George Baker and wife Angela of Shawnee, Kansas, Chester Baker and wife Susan of Duncan, Oklahoma, Bettsy Bumpas of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and Richard Baker of Oklahoma; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; her brother, David Rucker of Wilroads Gardens; and many extended family members and dear friends who will miss her deeply. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jess and Betty Rucker; her sister, Barbara Waterhouse; and a beloved grandson.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the former Wilroads Garden Christian Church, with Mr. Jeff Hiers presiding. Burial will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Silent Land Cemetery in Spearville. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 6, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Swaim Funeral Chapel in Dodge City. Memorial donations may be made to USD 371 for Montezuma Elementary School in care of the funeral home. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guestbook at www.swaimfuneralhome.com.

Karen will be remembered for her gentle heart, her servant's spirit, and the love she poured into her family, her students, and her community. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and in the family she loved so dearly.