Beth Anne Merklein, 58, of Oregon, Missouri, passed away on December 21, 2021, at Mosaic Life Care Hospital in St. Joseph, Missouri, with family and close friends by her side. She was born on April 18, 1963, to Leland Duane and Phyllis (Stutterheim) Merklein at Phillipsburg, Kansas.
Beth spent her childhood on the farm in rural Phillips County. She was baptized and confirmed at the Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Stuttgart, KS. After graduating from Phillipsburg High School in 1981 she went on to study at Cloud County Community College, Concordia, KS, graduating in 1983 with an Associate of Science Degree in Travel and Tourism. After graduation, she began her career working for a large travel agency in Kansas City, MO; which eventually led her across the country working in that capacity for National Cattleman’s Association in Denver, Colorado and then advancing to providing travel services for the Mars Family and their companies. Being in the travel industry allowed Beth to explore her desire to travel and through her many travels she had adventurous tales to share with many when she returned.
Through her marriage to David Baker she had two boys; Wyatt and Sam. Over the last 20 years she has been busy working and raising her boys. In October of 2020 Beth took the position as an Office Assistant working for the University of Missouri Extension Office for Holt County. This job allowed her flexibility to care for her boys and be close to home. She loved her family and her friends including Mandy and John Elifrits and family of Oregon, MO.
Beth was preceded in death by the recent passing of her father Leland Duane Merklein. Survivors include her sons Wyatt and Sam Baker of the home, mother Phyllis Merklein of Prairie View, KS, siblings Susan Warner and husband Charlie of Cimarron, KS, Matt Merklein and wife Kelly of Dallas, TX, Denise Kaufmann and husband Robb of Southlake, TX, Janna Newman and husband Ryan of Gold Canyon, AZ. Along with many nieces and nephews and two great nephews and a host of friends. She will be greatly missed.
Celebration of Life service will be held at Chamberlain Funeral Home, 100 W. George St, Oregon, MO 64473, Wednesday, December 29, 2021, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM with a short service at 6:30 PM. On January 15, 2022, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, a receiving by Beth’s family will take place at Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel, 1115 2nd St., Phillipsburg, KS 67661.
Memorials for the care of Beth’s children can be sent in care of the Chamberlain Funeral Home, P.O. Box 408, 100 W. George St., Oregon, MO, 64473. Thoughts and memories may be shared in the online guest book at www.chamberlainfuneral.com or www.olliffboeve.com. Beth’s family would like to extend their appreciation for the help and support she received during this journey.