Heather R. Baker

Heather R. Baker, a beloved longtime resident of Altus, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2026, in Oklahoma City following a brief illness. She was fifty- two years old.
Heather was born on March 28, 1973, in Hobart, Oklahoma, to Ronnie W. and Tena D. Smith. At an early age, she was lovingly adopted by Louis von Tungeln (Moe). Their lives began in Texas, followed by OKC and Altus in 1978. She attended all twelve years in Altus, graduating in 1991. Heather distinguished herself as a talented athlete. She especially loved playing softball (coached by her dad), where she stood out from others with the ability to switch hit and throw with either hand. She was also very active, assisting with her families, historical ranches (both maternal and paternal); not afraid to get dirty and work cattle.
Following high school, Heather attended the University of Oklahoma before returning home to continue her education at Western Oklahoma State College in Altus, where she earned her Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license. She began her nursing career at Jackson County Memorial Hospital and later devoted herself to caring for children through her in-home daycare, which she operated until 2005.
In 2005, Heather embarked on one of the greatest adventures of her life when she and her family were relocated to Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan. From 2005 to 2012, she built meaningful connections while working for the Department of Defense, first at the Child Development Center and later for DoDEA education as an administrative secretary for Kadena and Lester Middle Schools. After returning to Altus in 2012, Heather continued her faithful civil service as a secretary for the Mission Support Group Commander. In 2018, she became secretary for the Wing Commander, an opportunity she took a lot of pride in, and in 2020, she crossed over into Comm as the Base Records and Freedom of Information (FOIA) manager. Heather truly loved serving our airmen and their families. Heather was known across Altus Air Force Base for her professionalism, radiant smile and genuine kindness.
Faith was the cornerstone of Heather's life. She was a devoted member of Grace United Methodist Church in Altus, where she found strength, and purpose.
Heather's love story with her husband, Robert "Bob" Baker started on their first date, September 12, 1998. They were united in marriage on June 30, 2001, in Vernon, Texas. They shared many adventures and countless experiences. They also endured some of life's hardest moments. Thick and thin, hand in hand, they stood by each other's side through it all. They were best friends, they were lovers, they were husband and wife.
While Heather was deeply devoted to her career and community, her greatest joy was her family. She embraced many roles in life, but none meant more to her than becoming "Glamma." She treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren, celebrating their milestones and showering them with abundant love.
Heather had a servant's heart and a vibrant spirit. She was a natural "fixer," always ready to help, comfort, or encourage anyone in need. She delighted in hosting and entertaining large family gatherings, cooking for those she loved, cheering on OU football, and turning up the music for spontaneous dance parties with her children and grandchildren. An avid outdoor enthusiast (walking, fishing, scuba diving, listening to beach boys while playing in the pool, chasing SW Oklahoma storms with Bob), she also took a lot of pride in gardening (Baker's Acre's), and pickling the harvest. Additionally, she took great pride and joy in helping her dad with the von Tungeln ranch.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Dr. William H. Mask; paternal grandparents, Robert L. Baker, J.D. and Loretta von Tungeln; her sister, Amber D. Smith; and her son, Grayson H. Baker.
Heather leaves behind a legacy of love carried on by her devoted husband of twenty-five years, Robert "Bob" Baker; her children, Robert B. Baker and his wife Kelcey, Savannah Baker Perry and her husband Kyle, and Riley RD Baker and her husband Jacob Williams; as well as her daughter-in-law, Breanna L. Coleman, and her husband Dakota.
Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren: Robert A. Baker, Sarah E. Baker, Rowan B. Baker, Lyla L. Baker, Milo A. Coleman, Athena R. Williams, and Atlas G. Williams.
She is also survived by her mother, Tena D. von Tungeln; her father, Louis L. von Tungeln and partner, Teresa Burkhart; her biological father, Ronnie W. Smith and wife Lois; her mother-in-law, Becky Baker, her sisters, Kasey McCombs, Sylvia Coomes and husband Tom, and Holly Greco and husband Jarius; and her stepbrother, Christopher Fields. She also leaves behind her grandmother, Charlena B. Mask, uncles, Jon G Mask, Keland J. Mask, and Kevin R. von Tungeln, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and her extended family, all of whom she loved dearly.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Oklahoma Medical Research (especially, AVM research) or Grace United Methodist Church in Altus, Oklahoma.
The Baker family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home, Altus, Oklahoma.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 23, 2026 at Lowell - Tims Funeral Home Chapel Altus, Oklahoma with interment to follow at Hobart Rose Cemetery, Hobart, Oklahoma.
Funeral services have been entrusted to Lowell - Tims Funeral Home and Crematory, Altus, Oklahoma.