Kay Anne Baker

Kay Anne Baker (Byers), age 80, passed away on March 1, 2026. She was born on January 28, 1946, in Lafayette, Indiana, at Home Hospital.

Kay Anne grew up in Jackson and Randolph Townships, where she built lifelong values of hard work, family, and community. She attended Southwestern High School, where she was a cheerleader and a proud 10-year member of 4-H. She often reminisced about her childhood, including the special times she spent with her two beloved horses, Silver and Chica, and being “her dad’s boy.”

Kay was the loving wife of Richard Dean Baker, who preceded her in death on August 12, 2011. She traveled with Richard while he served in the U.S. Army, living in Germany during his assignment, before returning to Lafayette, Indiana, where he began his career as an air traffic controller with the FAA.

Kay attended Indiana State University, earning her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, and later earned her Master’s degree from Purdue University. She began her teaching career with the Danville Community School Corporation from 1970 to 1972, then taught at Battle Ground Elementary School in Battle Ground, Indiana, from 1979 to 1984. In 1984, Kay and her family moved to Fort Myers, Florida, where she continued her teaching career at Spring Creek Elementary School until her retirement in 2012. After retiring, Kay returned to Mulberry, Indiana, to spend more time with her family. Her dedication to education and care for her students left a lasting impact on many lives.

Kay was a devoted mother to Kerri Anne Baker and Andrew Wayne Baker, and a proud grandmother to Sophie Grace Baker, whom she considered her greatest joy. Kay was Sophie’s number one fan, faithfully attending nearly every event, especially basketball games even while enduring illness and pain. The two shared a special bond and often expressed it with their favorite saying: “I love you to the moon and back.”

She was a cherished mother-in-law to Jennifer Baker and the beloved daughter of Clara Rosa Byers (Felling) and Charles Edward Byers. Kay is also survived by her sisters, Mary Lou Vargas (Byers), wife of Leonardo Vargas, and Marsha Rose Gipson (Byers), wife of Craig Gipson, as well as a brother-in-law and his wife, nieces, nephews, cousins and their beloved children.

Kay found peace and happiness outdoors, especially working in her yard and mowing the lawn. Above all, she treasured family and time spent together.

Kay will be remembered for her strength, devotion, and unconditional love for those around her. She deeply valued her roles as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, educator, and friend, and her presence will be profoundly missed.

In lieu of flowers those wishing may donate in Kay’s name to the Humane Society of Greater Lafayette, 3150 Sagamore Parkway S. Lafayette, IN 47909

Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until 3:00 pm on Friday, March 13, 2026 at Soller-Baker Funeral Home, 400 Twyckenham Blvd, Lafayette, IN 47909 followed by a graveside service at Fairhaven Cemetery in Mulberry.

You may leave memories and condolences at www.soller-baker.com