Leola Bea (Paris) Baker, 82, of Kirksville, Missouri, passed away Friday, March 23, 2018 at Kirksville Manor Care.

Leola was born December 26, 1935 in rural Adair County, the daughter of Edgar and Alta (Kelley) Paris.

Leola attended rural school in Shibley's Point and graduated from Novinger R-I School with the Class of 1953. On June 3, 1955 Leola was united in marriage to her soul mate and love of her life, James A. Baker who preceded her in death on December 23, 1997. She was also preceded in death by her parents, two brothers in infancy, one sister, Lola Matthew; four sisters-in-law, Juanita Baker, Annabelle Prather, Betty Baker, and Lois Sayre, and two brothers-in-law, Jack Baker and Bob Baker.

Leola is survived by her son James Shawn Baker and fiancée Terri Morrison of Kirksville, MO; one grandson, James Alexander Baker of Iowa, one sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Jerry Gillum of Kirksville, MO, as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Leola worked at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company from 1953 to 1977 until the north office closed. She then worked several years at Producers Creamery before her final job at Bank of Kirksville where she worked from 1986 until retiring in January of 2009.

Leola and her husband were active in many community activities and organizations. They built and operated the Yarrow Country Store and Restaurant in Yarrow, Missouri. The were also known for the yearly fish fries which they held for years in Yarrow. She and her husband also had a cattle farm where they enjoyed working on and spending time together.

Leola was devoted to her husband, family and many friends and enjoyed helping others. She will be remembered as one of the hardest working, soft spoken wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many. Leola was also devoted to her religious beliefs and was a member of Grace Community Fellowship Church.

No public visitation or service will be held. Interment will be at Maple Hills Cemetery in Kirksville, under the direction of Travis-Noe Funeral Home.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Leola Baker may be made to the Alzheimer's Association and may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.