Obituaries

V. Loyce Cox Baker

Photo of V. Loyce Cox Baker
Velma Loyce Cox Baker departed her earthly life at Legacy of Life Hospice, Bentonville, Ark., on April 14, 2012, at the age of 99 years, 4 months. She was born in Panhandle, Texas, Dec. 14, 1912, the first born of Sanford H. and Almeda Ramey Cox. Loyce, as she preferred to be called, is reunited with her husband, Merle L. Baker, who preceded her in death on Dec. 17, 1984. Also, welcoming her into her heavenly home are oldest son, Stephen H.; and youngest daughter, Rebecca Jo; additionally brothers, Lyman, Clarence, Clair; and sisters, Dorothy Doherty, Kay Matthiesen, Sidna (Sue) Nelson and Madge Cloud; grandson, Jarold Baker pre-deceased her in 1999. She is survived by daughter, Janice Greeson and husband, Tom, of Bentonville, Ark.; son, John Baker and wife, Shirley, of Harper, Kan.; brother, Wayne of Chandler, Ariz.; grandchildren, Angela Greeson Arnold and husband, Craig, of Bentonville, Ark., Jason Baker and wife, Angela, of Harper, Kan., Nick Mark and wife, Elizabeth, of San Diego, Calif., and Jeff Ollek of Gilbert, Ariz. Additionally, she leaves to mourn her passing great-grandchildren, Benjamin and Molly Arnold, Jordan and Savannah Baker, and Jayden Mark. Loyce's early years were spent on the Clark ranch in the Oklahoma Panhandle, where her father was foreman. The family moved to San Pedro, Calif., when she was nine years old. They lived there less than a year due to her mother's homesickness and being so close to the ocean. Fearing that one of the children would wander into the ocean and drown, they moved back to Oklahoma. They moved to Kansas in 1924 when she was 12. Her mother passed away in Kansas shortly after giving birth to twin boys. Loyce assisted the woman hired to care for her and her eight siblings, and from this experience developed her faith and strong spirit that would serve her throughout her lifetime. She lived through many of our countries historic events. She survived the flu pandemic of 1918, the Depression years, World War I, World War II and other conflicts. She was fascinated with the first walk on the moon and modern technology, such as the cell phone and computer. She remained interested in politics, and said following her 99th birthday celebration, that she had "decided to try for 100 years" to get a letter from the President. Loyce attended schools in Texas, California, Oklahoma and Kansas. She attended Attica High School, graduating in 1932. Following graduation, she worked driving a census taker on her rounds. After this, she worked for the wife of a local rancher. On Aug. 23, 1936, she married Merle L. Baker, whom she met at a young people's church social. To this union four children were born, Stephen H., Janice K., John L. and Rebecca. They made their home on the family farm in Harper County, Kan. During her children's early years, she served as homeroom mother, various 4-H project leader positions and led EHU and community groups. She was a pillar of the community and was always available when called to serve her church or community. Loyce accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her savior in the Corwin Church and was baptized in a creek near there. She remained faithful to the Lord all her life, teaching Sunday school classes for primary children. In later years, she led the Women's Class. She was a member of the Evangelical United Brethren Church and later the United Methodist Church. She served as a delegate to the convention, a ministry of service that she valued highly. She completed the Menninger Bible Study course and delighted in home Bible study. Her faith was deeply rooted and spanned her lifetime. Her pioneer spirit, love for her faith, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will live on as her legacy. Loyce was a delight to all who met her and thoroughly entertained all who had the pleasure of meeting her. Many of her "sayings" will be remembered fondly by family and others who were blessed to know her. Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 18, 2012, at the Attica Cemetery in Attica, Kan., with the Pastor Wayne Stephens officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Circle of Life Hospice for the benefit of the facility in Bentonville, Ark., in memory of Loyce Baker. The Prairie Rose Funeral Home in Anthony is in charge of arrangements. To sign the guestbook online, please visit www.prairierosefuneralhomes.com.

Published April 17, 2012

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