Frances Ann Baker

Fran is survived by a sister, Bettina Baker Havig a niece, Kirsten Havig of Columbia, Missouri, sister-in-law Kristine Ancona Baker of Kansas City and a pup named Ned and a cat named Pi. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Terry Emil Baker.

Fran joined the Navy in 1969, serving as a Communications Yeomen during the Vietnam War. Fran returned to Kansas City and continued her education by earning an AA degree. She worked as a copywriter for Paxton Woods and later joined The Covington Group for graphic communications. She opened her own business, Cutty and Ayers, producing materials for Kansas City businesses for over a decade. She stayed active through her job at Walmart until her death, and she always lived life on her own terms. Sharing her life with people was very important.

Fran’s love of animals was reflected in her own beloved cats and dogs (and one bird) over the years and her appreciation for the beauty of wildlife everywhere. She enjoyed trips to Africa, Australia, Alaska, and Yellowstone and spent many enchanted days in New Mexico. She was a lover of art, rare books, and photography from both ends of the camera. She was a longtime volunteer for the Kansas City Zoo and had a special place in her heart for shelter pets. She stayed active in sports like softball since childhood, enjoyed college basketball, and volunteered in support of Kansas City-based athletics.

A celebration of Fran’s life will be held at Lakeside Nature Center, 4701 Gregory, Kansas City, Missouri, October 26, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00p.m. There will be a brief program at 11:30 where friends and family may share thoughts, readings, or remembrances of Fran. Per her wishes, the family requests that donations be made to Wayside Waifs, 3901 Martha Truman Rd., Kansas City, MO 64137.