Diane Baker

Diane Baker, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend

Diane Baker, age 81, died peacefully on September 29, 2025, at Hemsley House Assisted Living in Lenexa, KS.

Diane was born on October 4, 1943, in Garden City, Kansas, the daughter of Hubert and Velma Piland. Diane grew up in Garden City, where she graduated from Garden City High School. She attended the University of Kansas until she married Bryce Baker on December 16, 1962. They shared nearly 60 years of marriage together until Bryce's death in 2020. Together, they raised two daughters, Alaine and Janelle, and one son, Landon.

Diane spent her days loving and supporting her family. She was an amazing cook who could make a gourmet meal out of nothing. When times were rough, that's exactly what she did. As a lifelong learner, Diane was creative and smart. She made every Halloween costume, decorated every birthday cake, and dove deep into other creative outlets such as crocheting, painting, wheat weaving, sewing, and cross stitch.

Diane was the definition of kindness and generosity. She rarely complained and she complimented everyone. You could have known Diane for 50 years or 50 seconds, and she would have called you "Sugar." Between her loving nature and her sharp wit, she could make a friend (and always did) everywhere she went.

Diane loved Jesus and dedicated much of her life to her church community at Garden City First United Methodist Church. She taught Sunday School for many years, participated faithfully in Bible studies, and led women's groups. She brought great creativity to her teaching, making lessons meaningful and memorable.

Diane loved her hometown of Garden City, which she considered a true treasure, and held special affection for the Lee Richardson Zoo and Garden City Community College. As an avid sports fan, she cheered for Garden City High School, Garden City Community College, the University of Kansas, Kansas State, the Thunder, the Chiefs, and the Royals.

In 2020, Diane moved to Oklahoma City, OK, where she was close to her daughter, Alaine. In 2023, she moved to Lenexa, KS, near her daughter, Janelle, and son, Landon. It's there that she became an active member of The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection.

Diane is survived by her three children: Alaine Thigpen, Oklahoma City, OK; Janelle Gregory & husband Brandon, Olathe, KS and Landon Baker, Olathe, KS, as well as two grandsons, Isaac Gregory and Brian Thigpen. She is preceded in death by her husband, Bryce; her father, Hubert; her mother, Velma; her sister, Vernadine & husband Richard; her son-in-law, Charles; and her dear friend, JoAnn Goss, who was as close to her as a sister.

A service to celebrate Diane's life will be held at the Wesley Chapel of Church of the Resurrection's Leawood location, 13720 Roe Avenue, Leawood, KS, on Saturday, October 18, at 10:00am. Guests unable to attend in-person may attend online at cor.org/memorialsonline. Diane will be interred in Valley View Cemetery on Saturday, November 8, at 11:00am with a reception to follow at Lee Richardson Zoo. The family suggests memorials be given to the Lee Richardson Zoo and Garden City Community College in care of Garnand Funeral Home. Condolences may be posted at www.garnandfuneralhomes.com.

Garnand Funeral Home, 412 North 7th Garden City, KS 67846 620-276-3219