Helen Baker

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Helen M. Baker, age 77, of Joplin, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, July 5, 2017 at Joplin Health and Rehabilitation.

Helen was born on January 11, 1940 in Buffalo, Missouri, to the late Claude E. and Opal Pauline (Jasper) Piper. She attended grade school at the old Kelly country school in Buffalo. Helen’s family relocated to the Joplin area in 1957 and she was a 1958 graduate of Joplin Memorial High School. On March 23, 1966, Helen was united in marriage to Billy Dale Baker in Buffalo, Missouri and together they shared 51 years of marriage. Helen worked at a number of small businesses and cafes, including Jamison's Drug Store and Woolworth's. She last worked for McDonald’s on Maiden Lane in Joplin. Helen loved flowers, cats and country music. She also greatly enjoyed going on car rides through the countryside with her husband, Billy.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents; three siblings, Joyce, Janis and Joe Piper; and one niece, Ronetta Massa.

Helen is survived by her husband, Billy, of the home; her son, Sheldon Baker, and his wife, Dawn, of Joplin; three brothers, Claude H. Piper of Pittsburg, Kansas, Jack B. Piper of Joplin, and Carl R. Piper of Springfield, Missouri; her aunt, Nancy (Jasper) Lambert, of Rolla, Missouri; her brother-in-law, Bob Baker, of Wheaton, Missouri; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Graveside services for Mrs. Baker will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, July 10, 2017 at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Monday in the chapel of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary in Joplin. Arrangements are under the personal care and direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.