1951-2026
Debra Edith Baker, 74, of Arkansas City, passed away Monday, February 9th, 2026 at Wesley Medical Center.
Celebration of life services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Cowley County Humane Society and left in the care of the Shelley Family Funeral Home.
Debra was born on May 24, 1951 in La Salle Il, to parents Benard and Esther (Baird) Benning. She graduated from high school in Golden, CO. Debra worked for USD 470 as a janitor at the high school, but she also did all of the alterations for the Jr. high and Sr. high school band uniforms. She enjoyed going to the casino, quilting, caring for her many dogs, and going to the farm with her partner, Larry Stalnaker.
Debra is survived by her sons, Danny Baker (Carmelina) of Navarre, FL, Darrell Baker (Kristen) of Ark City, grandchildren Amanda Bruce (Colten) of Ark City, Cody Neal (Brittany) of Ark City, Kyla Thomas (Joey) of Yale, OK, and Julie Baker, great-grandchildren George, Cooper, Betty, Mya, and Gia, and sister-in-law Becky Benning.
She is preceded in death by her parents, partner Larry Stalnaker, and brothers Dan Benning and Ben Benning.
