Ava LaRea Baker

Ava LaRea Baker, 80, of Beebe, passed away on March 5th, 2026, in Beebe. She was born on September 13, 1945, in Beebe to James E. Welch and Eva Morton Welch. Born and raised in Beebe, she graduated in 1963 from Beebe High School.

LaRea survived by her husband of 62 years, Robert H. Baker Sr.; her son, Robert H. Baker Jr. (Tracy); her daughter, Marci Baker-Cox (Bill); her sisters, Linda Jo Hale, Sandra Eubanks, and Jamie Welch; granddaughter, Mattie Watson Cox; and grandson, Drew Cox; and several beloved nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, James E. Welch and Eva Morton Welch.

LaRea began her 33-year career with the United States Postal Service in 1967. She started as a clerk in Beebe before becoming a rural mail carrier, where she was known for her dedication and for always ensuring the residents on her route received their mail on time. She later worked in the accounting department and eventually became Postmaster in Hazen, Arkansas. She completed her distinguished career serving as Postmaster of Vilonia, retiring after many years of faithful service. LaRea was a longtime member of the First United Methodist Church in Beebe.

LaRea first received hospice care at home from Gentiva before transitioning to hospice care at the Beebe Retirement Center. She loved her nurses Sarah and Sandy, who provided excellent, loving, and compassionate care. The family would also like to extend a special thank you to Natalie Martin for all her help and support through Gentiva, as well as Kristi, the social worker, and Ted, the chaplain, for their kindness, comfort, and support during this time. The family is deeply grateful to Gentiva Hospice and the staff of the Beebe Retirement Center for their exceptional care, kindness, and compassion shown to LaRea and her family.

LaRea loved her family deeply and cherished time spent together. She always wrapped the most beautiful Christmas presents and made the most amazing bows. She also loved to cross-stitch, hydrangeas and pearls. LaRea also enjoyed getting together with her high school friends and treasured those lifelong friendships. She was known for her thoughtfulness and kindness, always remembering birthdays and special occasions. She was also an avid fan of the Arkansas Razorbacks and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer them on no matter what sport. Whether watching a game on television or talking about the latest matchup, she proudly supported the Razorbacks.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the First United Methodist Church in Beebe.

Visitation will be Friday, March 20th from 11 a.m. – noon, immediately followed by the funeral service at the First United Methodist Church, Beebe. Committal will follow at 2p.m. at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens, Beebe. Arrangements by Smith Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W Dewitt Henry, Beebe. www.smithfamilycares.com to view the online guestbook.