Dortha May Baken

Dortha May Baken, age 89, a longtime Gillette, Wyoming resident passed away Saturday, October 4, 2014, at Campbell County Memorial Hospital of natural causes. Dortha May Baken was born on March 19, 1925 in Mt. Hope, Kansas. As a youngster she traveled with her mother, Mable (Mamie) Balsley and treasured step-father, Jack Balsley, while they worked in the carnival. She spent many years growing up in Glenrock, Wyoming where she was a telephone operator before moving to Rapid City. She graduated from Rapid City High School in 1944. After graduation, she worked as a clerk/typist in Igloo, South Dakota where she met William Baken. They were married on June 26, 1945 and lived in Rapid City, South Dakota for many years. Gillette has been her residence since 1974. Dortha attended and volunteered at St. Matthews Catholic Church until her health deteriorated. After raising her eight children, she became a crossing guard for the school district and then a bus assistant and driver, caring for children with special needs. Dortha is survived by six sons, William P. (Kathie) Baken VI of Gold Canyon, Arizona, Charles E. (Crisanne) Baken of Lexington, South Carolina, Dennis W. (Karla) Baken of Bennett, Colorado, Gary C. (Elizabeth) Baken of Moberly, Missouri, John F. (Anna) Baken of Lompoc, California, and Michael D. (Lori) Baken of Gillette, Wyoming, one daughter, Patricia M. (John) Hopkins of Rapid City, South Dakota, 28 grandchildren and spouses and 19 great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, William P. Baken V and one son, Richard A. Baken. Memorials and Condolences may be sent in Dortha's name to the family in care of Walker Funeral Home 410 Medical Arts Court Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be sent via the web at www.walkerfuneralgillette.comFuneral Home:Walker Funeral Home410 Medical Arts CourtGillette, WYUS 82716