Donna Mae Baker

Donna Mae Baker, the daughter of Lenard J. and Mary H. (Knochel) Marnell, was born September 14, 1952, in Burlington, Colorado. She graduated from the Chariton, Iowa Senior High School and went on to DMACC.

On May 6, 1972, Donna was united in marriage with Gordon Baker in Chariton, Iowa. Donna worked in Human Resources at Skiff Medical Center for sixteen years. She was a member of SHRM (Human Resource Club) and First Baptist Church in Newton. Donna enjoyed nature, listening to audio books; walking with her sisters and her mom; and spending time with her kids and grandkids.

Donna died on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at her home in Newton. She was preceded in death by her parents; and a son, Korey, in 1986; and a sister Betty Thompson.

Those left to honor Donna’s memory include her husband, Gordon; her son, Robert J. (Kristan) Baker; her daughter, Lisa R. (Kyle) Connor; her grandchildren: Corrie Baker, Bryce Baker, Blake Baker, Hazley Connor, Lillian Connor; her sister, Luann (Greg) Lucas and a brother-in-law, Mark Thompson.

A celebration of Donna’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 15, 2025 at the First Baptist Church in Newton. The family will greet friends following the service, during lunch. A Facebook Live broadcast of the service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on the Pence Reese Funeral Home Facebook page. Memorials may be designated to MercyOne Hospice and may be left at the church or the Pence Reese Funeral Home.