Jessie Frances Baker

SEDALIA - Jessie Frances Baker, 93, of Sedalia, Missouri, passed away January 9, 2019, at Fair View Nursing Home in Sedalia.
She was born March 28, 1925, in Syracuse, Missouri, the daughter of Frank and Lydith Putnam, who preceded her in death as did her sister, Imogene "Dena" Peoples.
On January 23, 1949, Jessie married Virgil Baker and they became the proud parents of three sons. Jessie was a school teacher for 40 years, beginning at age 17. She was key in developing the special education department at Smith-Cotton High School. In 1985, she was selected Special Education Teacher of the Year for the State of Missouri.
Surviving are her husband, Virgil Baker, of Sedalia, Missouri; son, Melford Baker of Kansas City, Missouri; son, Martin Baker of Tijeras, New Mexico; son, Dean Baker and wife Sheri, of Kirksville, Missouri; granddaughter, Kelly Baker; grandsons, Chris and Spencer Baker; and great-granddaughters, Zoey and Maddy Brown, and MacKenzie Baker. Jessie is also survived by sisters-in-law, Faye Martin, of Clarksburg, Missouri, Helen Wallenmeyer, of California, Missouri, and Pat Baker, of California, Missouri.
The family will receive friends on Monday, January 14, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at Heckart Funeral Home in Sedalia, MO, with Rev. Leroy Moon officiating.
Pallbearers will be Paul Martin, Norris Hill, Chris Baker, Spencer Baker, John Schmidt and Sonny Broyles. Honorary bearers will be Otis and Sherrill Brock, and Alan Green.
Burial will be in Syracuse Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association.
The family would like to extend thanks to Fair View Nursing Home.