Jo Ellen Baker

Jo Ellen Baker, 77, of Canyon, TX went to be with Jesus Christ, her Savior, September 10, 2025.

Memorial service will be at 11:00 AM, Thursday, September 18, 2025, at Evangelical Fellowship Church, 5000 SW 49th Ave, Amarillo, TX. Interment will be private in Dreamland Cemetery at 9:30 AM. Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors

Jo was born October 18, 1947, in Amarillo, TX to Johnny Conway and Babe Stephenson. She graduated from Tascosa High School, spent 2 years at The University of Houston and finished her college career at West Texas State University, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Jo is survived by husband, Art Baker, her sister, Sidney Conway of Tulsa, OK and a nephew, Ben Wilhelm of New York City, and a multitude of cousins.

After college, Jo met and married Art Baker on July 19, 1969, in Amarillo. She was a gifted artist with accolades from several art instructors. Shortly thereafter, she met a horse, and her artistic endeavors went out the window. She became a gifted 4-H horse trainer, leader and teacher. Her 4-H kids began to win many horse events, county wide, statewide, and nationally. She was awarded much recognition by being added to almost every important committee and organization related to the 4-H program. Her clinics reached more than 6,000 youth, all of whom loved her throughout her 30 years devoted to these programs. At her 30-year retirement party, she was presented a large check to establish an annual scholarship fund in her name, managed by The Opportunity Program, Inc. The purpose of this yearly award is for a 4-H member to continue their education at West Texas A&M University. In addition, the WTAMU Equine Program placed a plaque bearing Jo’s name and picture on their Wall of Fame. Several additional plaques honoring her service over the course of her career are on display at the Randall County Extension office.

If desired, memorials may be made to Evangelical Church or The Opportunity Plan, Inc. (C/O Jo Baker Scholarship Fund). PO Box 1035, Canyon, TX79015