Shirley A. Baker

Shirley A. (Clapper) Baker, 90, of Hoxie, Kansas, passed away Saturday, February 19, 2022, at the Sheridan County Health Complex LTC. She was born November 10, 1931, in Dodge City, Kansas to Joseph L. and Wava L. (Record) Clapper. Shirley grew up in Dodge City and graduated from Dodge City High School in 1950. After graduating she helped her mother take care of her four brothers. On October 1, 195 thierr 6, she married Byron Dwayne Baker in Dodge City, Kansas. Shirley and Byron raised their children in Goodland, Kansas. In 1977 they moved to Longview, Texas. In the early ninety's, Shirley and Byron moved to Hoxie, Kansas.
Shirley's father trained horses, and as a young girl, Shirley helped her father train the horses by being a jockey. While living in Longview, Texas, Shirley owned and operated her own café and managed apartments. For many years, she did Home Interior Decorating. During her lifetime, she cooked for several restaurants and was a waitress. In Hoxie, she owned and operated SHIRLEY'S STUFF and sold her baked goods, especially her cinnamon rolls.
Shirley was a good athlete and enjoyed water skiing and swimming. While living in Goodland, Shirley helped coach the swim team and helped in any way she could. When Shirley was not working, she loved being outdoors and enjoyed camping and fishing whenever she could. She was a wonderful musician and sang with the Sweet Adelines in Colby, Kansas. She was also an artist and did many oil paintings. Shirley had her own art show at the Prairie Museum of Art and History in Colby. Shirley enjoyed watching her grandkids participate in all their activities Shirley was a member of the Hoxie Christian Church where she served as a deaconess and taught bible study and a lifelong member of the American Auxiliary. She was a great supporter of her family, and they were the most important people in her life.
Shirley is survived by her sons, Roger Baker and wife Tami of Port Bolivar, Texas and Kirk Baker and wife Kelly of Hoxie, Kansas; daughter Nicolet Davis and husband William of Stratton, Colorado; brothers, Dennis Clapper of Hemphill, Texas and David Clapper of Hoxie, Kansas; fifteen grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchilden.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Byron Baker; parents, Joseph and Wava Clapper; brothers, Earl Clapper and Nicholas Clapper; and half-sisters, Nadine Crookshank and Phyllis Peck.
A funeral service is planned for Friday, February 25, 2022, 10:30 A.M., at the Hoxie Christian Church with Pastor Carl Dumler presiding. Visitation will be Thursday, February 24, 2022, at the Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, from 1:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. with family greeting friends from 5:30 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Memorials may be given to the Hoxie Christian Church or The Sheridan County Benefit Walk and sent in care of Mickey-Leopold Funeral Home, PO Box 987, Hoxie, Kansas 67740. The service will be livestreamed on the Hoxie Christian Church Facebook page. You may leave words of comfort at www.mickeyleopoldfuneral.com.
Shirley was a hard worker and had a fire in her that will never die! Her spirit and love for her family will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her.