Frances Todd Baker, age 86, formerly of Pleasanton, Kan., passed away in hospice at Englewood, Colo.
Born in Atchison, Kan., on March 18, 1930, Fran lived in Kansas City, Mo., until 1959 when she married Willis Baker and moved to Pleasanton, Kan.
She will be remembered as a lifelong equestrian and an active member of the Mission Valley Foxhunt for over 65 years. Additionally, Fran is fondly remembered as a woman of keen intelligence, a dry wit and a tough pioneer spirit.
Fran asked that the following quote be read at her memorial as a reminder of how life is meant to be lived.
“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow! What a Ride!’” —Hunter S. Thompson
Fran is survived by her husband Willis Baker; and two sons Stew and Philip Baker. A private family-only service will be held in Kansas City.
OBITUARIES
Howard Chaney Herrmann ~ 05-28-1944 to 04-01-2026
Linn County News Published April 8, 2026 Howard Chaney Herrmann passed away on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. He was born May 28, 1944, to Chester Keith Herrmann and Mila Frances (Chaney) Herrmann. He started first grade in 1950 in the Washington one room... [More]
Tevina Marie Eicher ~ 04-09-1979 to 03-23-2026
Linn County News Published April 8, 2026 Tevina Marie Eicher, age 46, Mound City, Kan., passed away Monday, March 23, 2026. A memorial service was held at 1 p.m. April 4, 2026, to celebrate Tevina and her recently deceased mother, Vickie. There was a visitation... [More]
Kellie Jo Harvey ~ 10-24-1968 to 03-26-2026
Linn County News Published April 1, 2026 Kellie Jo Harvey, age 57, of Mapleton, Kan., passed away as a result of a motor vehicle accident on March 26, 2026. She was born on Oct. 24, 1968, the daughter of Bill and Linda Brown Allen. Kellie graduated... [More]
More Obituaries
- Naomi “Skip” Childress ~ 08-23-1926 to 03-21-2026
- Julia Pearl (Ginger) Gardner ~ 06-28-1940 to 03-19-2026
- Danny Grover Breckenridge ~ 04-09-1947 to 03-16-2026
- Rachel Carlene Kastl ~ 02-14-1934 to 03-19-2026
- Edward L. Eichenberger ~ 11-20-1967 to 03-15-2026
- Rick “Rockin Rick” Nash ~ 11-13-1958 to 02-23-2026
- Bernard Thomas “Tom” Brownback ~ 10-06-1938 to 02-27-2026
- Bernard E. “Gene” Post ~ 05-02-1934 to 12-15-2025
NEWS
Pleasanton approves water plant roof bidding, backup water supply study
The Pleasanton City Council met with BG Consultants engineer, Jason Hoskinson, Monday night and approved several projects that have been in the works, some for months, some not so long. First approved was allowing BG Consultants to advertise the Stegge Lake Dam Repair project... [More]
Commissioners reviewing resolution on vicious dogs
During the April 6 meeting, the Linn County Commissioners heard from Planning and Zoning Administrator Jennifer Cummings and Linn County Sheriff James Akes regarding a proposed resolution regarding vicious dogs. Cummings explained that as of now, Linn County “does not... [More]
Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center takes steps to preserve local behavioral health services
IOLA, KANSAS – Southeast Kansas Mental Health Center (SEKMHC) has taken steps to preserve local behavioral healthcare following a retroactive rate adjustment for 2025 that resulted in an overpayment for services during that year. To repay these funds, SEKMHC... [More]
More News
- Blue Mound water, sewer projects dominate meeting
- Local film crew premieres new film in Albuquerque, plans Kansas City Release
- Commissioners hear from County Attorney, Sheriff on legal issues
- Board adopts changes to the JCAC interrogations policy
- SPECIAL: KDHE Issues Air Quality Health Advisory due to Prescribed Burns
- Commissioners sign settlement agreement with Tanglewood Lakes
- K9 Tank, new addition to the Pleasanton Police Department
- La Cygne Council awards sewer lift bid
SPORTS
Pleasanton baseball falls to Southeast Cherokee
The Pleasanton baseball team hosted Southeast Cherokee on March 31 in a league double-header. Southeast was too much for the Jays as they won each game big, 20-0 and 22-7. The first game was all Southeast as they led 10-0 after two innings and finished it in the fourth with... [More]
Jayhawk softball swept by Central Heights
The Jayhawk Linn softball team traveled to Central Heights on March 31 to play the Vikings in a double-header. The Lady Hawks dropped both games, a close 4-5 loss in the first game and then a 3-13 in the following game. The first game saw both teams tied 1-1 after one inning... [More]
Prairie View baseball splits with Santa Fe Trail
The Pleasanton baseball team hosted Santa Fe Trail on March 31 and split with the Chargers in a Pioneer League double-header. The Buffalos won the first game 8-7 but lost the second game 4-20. The first game started with the Buffalos taking a 2-1 lead after two innings. Trail... [More]
More Sports
- Pleasanton baseball starts season against Oswego and Crest
- Jayhawk softball starts season with games against Northeast and Osawatomie
- Prairie View baseball hosts Miami and Wellsville to begin the season
- Pleasanton and Jayhawk boys’ basketball have multiple players make TRL All League
- Lady Hawks and Lady Jays make the TRL All League basketball team
- Jayhawk girls’ basketball finishes the season as Sub-State runner-up
- Pleasanton boys’ basketball finishes season as Sub-State runner up
- Pleasanton boys advance in Sub-State tournament, girls end season
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