On Friday, March 13, 2026, Deanne “DD” Rae Baker, a loving daughter, sister, aunt and friend, passed away at the age 57.
Deanne was born in Sterling, IL on January 6, 1969 to Ronald & Karen (Henke) Baker. Upon graduating from Pekin High School in Packwood, IA. Deanne enlisted into the Army and later deployed to Desert Storm, serving 4 years. After she returned home, she worked as a prison transport guard for a few years, taking prisoners all over the United States. Deanne decided later to enroll into college & graduated from IHCC in Ottumwa, IA as an Aviation Maintenance Technician. She accepted a position at Tinker Air Force Base where she has worked in Oklahoma for the past 20 years. Deanne recently received her 20 years of service certificate from Tinker Airforce Base and was looking forward to retirement where she could buy an RV and travel the US taking her mom to all the places she had never seen.
Deanne had a knack for telling jokes and relating stories about her life experiences that gravitated people towards her. Her smile was contagious and her laugh would carry over the crowd. Deanne was strong in her beliefs and willing to help others when needed.
Deanne will leave a hole in our lives and be sorely missed.
Deanne was preceded in death by her father, Ronald. She is survived by her mother, Karen and her 6 siblings, Christine (Brian) Aulwes of Guttenberg, IA, Brian (Heidi) Baker of Ollie, IA, Alisa (Jason) Tolle of Richland, IA, Terri (Daryl) Crochet of Richland, IA, Steven (Brandi) Baker of Richland, IA and Nicole (Harmon) Anderson of Grand Junction, CO.
Her nieces and nephews are Elizabeth (Andrew), Dominique (Greg), Leighton (Collin), Austin (Lanie), Cassidy (Braedyn), Kaden (Zoey), Ivy, Lathe (Danae), Kaya (Dalton), Cael (Riley), Gage, Logan, Quinnlyn, Ila, Ezra.
The great nieces and nephews are Carlie, Carter, Calvin, Avery, Ryland, Parker, Keenan, Kleo, Konlee, Benton and one on the way, Kymberly and one on the way, and Cooper.
Deanne was cremated in Oklahoma. The family will have a Requiem Mass Friday, April 10th at 2 pm at St. Joseph Catholic Church in East Pleasant Plain with Father Damian Ilokaba presiding. Burial following at St Joseph Catholic Cemetery with a military salute. Family will host a celebration of life at Mother Cabrini church in Richland, Iowa starting at 4 pm on April 10. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established. Mail cards and well wishes to the Baker family PO BOX 148 Richland, IA 52585.
Please share your stories and pictures at ddbakerphotodrop@gmail.com
