Barbara Stafford Baker

Barbara Stafford Baker, 81, of Anderson, Indiana, was welcomed into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, early Saturday morning, March 14, 2026, at the Trustbridge Jupiter Pavilion Care Center in Jupiter, Florida. Barbara courageously battled Parkinson’s disease for nearly 20 years, yet no matter what circumstances she found herself in – including a broken neck and going into hospice care – if you asked her how she was doing, she would always answer, “Blessed of the Lord!” She was born on October 2, 1944, in Vivian, Louisiana, a daughter of the late Reverend Daniel and Edna (Mann) Stafford. On August 31, 1965, she married the love of her life, John Mark Baker, in Oklahoma City. The following year she graduated from Bethany Nazarene College with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, preparing for what would become a lifetime devoted to teaching and ministering to children. Barbara taught in Christian schools, public schools, and through homeschooling—something she especially loved because it allowed her to invest deeply in the lives of young people. Her heart for children extended far beyond the classroom. Beginning in 1969, Barbara and John spent 45 summers traveling the United States, conducting Vacation Bible Schools in churches across 21 states, the Cayman Islands, and Canada. Through this ministry, countless children heard the message of God’s love. She was also deeply involved in bus ministry outreach in her local church, Grace Holiness Church in Anderson, faithfully working to bring children to church and share the gospel with them. Even during the final days of her life, Barbara was still reaching out with love and concern for her “bus kids,” reflecting a lifelong passion for leading young hearts to Christ. Barbara truly had a heart of gold. She believed in doing things the right way—whether carefully quoting Scripture or helping young people learn Bible Bowl answers at Appalachian Youth Camp. More than anything, she desired to honor and serve Jesus through both her words and her actions. Her greatest concern and deepest prayer was that she and her family would always live faithfully for the Lord. Those left to cherish Barbara’s memory include her devoted husband of 60 years, John Mark Baker; her three sons, John Mark Baker II (MaryLee) of Anderson, Aaron (Katrina) Baker of Jonesboro, Arkansas, and Jason (Regina) Baker of Greenville, Ohio; her grandchildren, Kristen (David) Sterner of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Tyler (Hailey) Baker of Davison, Michigan, Everlee Baker of Jonesboro, Arkansas, Constance (Zach) Ohmes and Maverick Baker, both of Anderson, and Rylee, Jayden, and Lincoln Baker of Greenville, Ohio; three great-grandchildren, Levi, David, and Carter Sterner; two brothers, Jim (Charol) Stafford of Houston, Texas, and David (Jackie) Stafford of Bethany, Oklahoma; a brother-in-law, Jim Smith of Bethany, Oklahoma; a sister-in-law, Bobbye Stafford McElrath of Plano, TX, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, those eagerly awaiting Barbara in Heaven include her sister, Patricia Smith, and her brother, Robert Stafford. Funeral services will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2026, at Summitville Wesleyan Bible Church, 17345 N. 150 E., Summitville, Indiana, with Pastor Tim Wiford officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service on Friday at the church. The funeral service will be livestreamed and can be joined by Clicking Here. Burial will be held privately in Maplewood Cemetery in Anderson. Memorial contributions may be offered to the ICHA – Foreign Missions by Clicking Here. Barbara’s life was a beautiful testimony of faithful service, a deep love for children, and an unwavering devotion to the Lord she served so faithfully. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Sproles Family Funeral Home in New Castle. You may offer the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com. The Sproles family and staff are honored to serve the family of Barbara Stafford Baker.

Tributes

Barbara Stafford Baker

October 2, 1944 - March 14, 2026