Yvonne Baker

Yvonne Baker Hutchison

Glenda Yvonne Baker Hutchison, age 89, of Farmington, Arkansas, died Thursday, March 21, 2024. Born April 4, 1934, in West Fork, Arkansas, she was the daughter of William Edgar Baker and Arizona (Zona) Richardson Baker. She lived to be just two weeks shy of her 90th birthday.

She was preceded in death by her parents, by her devoted husband of 55 years, Dale O. Hutchison, by her brothers Buford Baker and Vic Baker, and by beloved daughter Vicki Bedford.

She's survived by her sister Connie Freriks and by brothers Norman "Bud" Baker and Randall Baker (and wife Joyce). She is also survived by daughter Colette Schenewerk and her husband, Philip; by son Russell D. Hutchison; and by son-in-law Jack D. Bedford. Grandchildren include Kate Quadrizius (and husband, James), Laura Reynolds, Suzanne Schenewerk, Brynn Hutchison, and Will Hutchison. And she is survived by four great-grandchildren and many (many!) nieces and nephews.

Yvonne showed early talent on piano and had a natural gift for harmony. She learned to read music but could play effortlessly by ear. Throughout the decades, she served as church pianist, sang at weddings and funerals, and lent her alto to choirs and small ensembles.

After spending her children's early years at home, she ventured into employment as a bookkeeper. She gained a real estate license and worked for several years in that field. But by far, her longest employment stint was at the UofA, where for 27 years, she served as secretary to the director of the University of Arkansas Police Department. And all the while, she maintained a happy home and marriage, assisted her husband Dale in countless cheerful ways, and served others in the church and community.

Outgoing and friendly with everyone, she nevertheless counted some friends especially dear. There were school chums, sisters-in-law, neighbors, and ladies from church that she befriended for a lifetime. In her seventies, then a widow, Yvonne enjoyed the company of friend Roy English. They took drives, attended church, talked by phone, and enjoyed many meals together.

In her final 15 months, with health concerns increasing, Yvonne became a resident at Katherine's Place at Wedington, and there made even more friends. Her love of people and her trust in Christ were apparent throughout her life.

Funeral service 10:00 AM, Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Main Street Baptist in Farmington.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Main Street Baptist Church or to the Alzheimer's Association