LaVerna Irene Baker, 86, of Archie, Missouri, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Friday, November 6, 2020 at McDonald County Living Center in Anderson, MO.  Funeral services were held  Thursday, November 12, 2020 at the First Baptist Church in Archie, MO.  Burial in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, MO.  Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, Archie, MO.

LaVerna was born to Leonard and Lillian (Blackwell) Smotherman in Mountain View, MO on July 9, 1934, during the heart of the Great Depression.  LaVerna graduated from high school in Mountain View, MO.  She met Lyle Baker in 1956 in Kansas City through a mutual friend, and after many roller skating and bowling dates, they finally married on January 18, 1958.  LaVerna and Lyle spent a lifetime in Archie, MO as pillars and advocates for their community.  They were members of the Archie First Baptist Church.  LaVerna enjoyed a long career in banking at Archie State Bank and, as an accomplished seamstress, collaborated with Lyle for many of his school play productions.  She was an avid puzzle genius, and enjoyed playing piano and singing in the church choir.  Her snickerdoodles that she made for friends and family were unrivaled!  LaVerna and Lyle spent 56 wonderful years together, filled with travels and experiences.

LaVerna was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lyle, on May 13, 2014; one brother, Austin, and a sister, Erma.  She is survived by their 3 children, Kevin Baker, of Harrisonville, MO, Jay Baker, of Anderson, MO, and Laurie Beth Lynn, of Overland Park, KS; 8 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren, as well as 3 of her siblings, Larry Smotherman, of Mountain View, MO, Dixie Smotherman, of Strafford, MO, and Donna Parmley, of Anderson, MO.