of Paris, AR
July 12, 1967 - February 12, 2024
Shona R. Baker, 56, of Paris, Arkansas passed away on Monday, February 12, 2024 in Fort Smith, Arkansas. She was born on July 12, 1967 in Paris to her parents, Gordon A. ''Butch'' and Janelle (Needham) Baker.
Shona was a friend to many, near and far and incredibly generous with her time and creativity; she loved showering those closest to her with special gifts and attention. She had boundless energy and delighted in planning and decorating for friends and family's weddings and special events. She made everything she touched more fun, colorful and memorable.
She loved the outdoors and all animals (aside from beavers!) and could always be found on the family farm either keeping it beautiful, planting flowers or spending precious time with her grandchildren, including building them a two-story treehouse by the creek.
For many years she was the owner and operator of Cody's Bait Shop in Paris and later worked in hospitality and catering. She is a longtime team member at 21 West End in Fort Smith where she had a vital role in taking care of the front of the house, catering and special events.
She is preceded in death by her father, Gordon A. ''Butch'' Baker and her grandparents, Fay ''Foots'' and Nona Needham and Ralph and Ruth Baker.
She is survived by son, Cody Lukas and wife, Emily (Thias) of Paris; her mother, Janelle Baker of Paris; her sister, Kebra Shelhamer and husband, Kevin of Chicago, Illinois; her grandchildren, Max, Harper, Wyatt, Violet and Ruby Lukas and her niece and nephew, Kylee Shelhamer and Baker Shelhamer.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, February 16, 2024 at Roller Funeral Home Chapel in Paris officiated by Rev. Judy Hall. Services are under the direction of Roller Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to the Mercy Hospital Hospice, 7301 Rogers Ave., Fort Smith, AR 72917.
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58 Condolence(s)
Lisa Ramsey
Saturday, March 2, 2024
I'm so sorry your gone. You were such a wonderful person. I know how much you cherished your grand babies. You were a wonderful person.
Elaine Leonard
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
My sweet friend, I will miss your smile, your laugh, your jokes, and your stories about your family. Your family meant the world to you. The world was a better place with you here, but Heaven just got even sweeter. Love you my dear friend, until we meet again.
Marie Tramell Remer
Sunday, February 18, 2024
My deepest sympathy for your loss Kebra and Family. I’m praying for peace for you all!
Jerry and Mary Freeman
Saturday, February 17, 2024
We are very sad to hear about Shona. She was such a beautiful person. Our prayers and thoughts are with all the family.
James VanLandingham
Friday, February 16, 2024
Thoughts and prayers are with the family
James and Cheryl VanLandingham
Linda Trusty
Ryan Gindhart
Friday, February 16, 2024
REST IN PEACE SHONA, YOU WERE LOVED BEYOND MEASURE.
Lisa Gray & Billy Horne
Friday, February 16, 2024
We extend our deepest sympathies to all of Shona's family & friends. She was a bright light to those who knew her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
June Shirley Gilbreath
Friday, February 16, 2024
Janelle, Kebra and family: so very sorry for the loss of Shona. May God comfort you, give you strength and peace at this time.
Tommy Aimonetti
Friday, February 16, 2024
Mrs. Baker, Kebra, and Family,
Spending time with Shona when we worked at Town & Country Supermarket brings back happy memories for me. I'm so sorry for your loss. As you commemorate and honor Shona's life, know you are in my prayers and thoughts.
Tommy Aimonetti
Friday, February 16, 2024
To the Baker Family,
Spending time with Shona when we worked at Town & Country Supermarket brings back happy memories for me. I'm so sorry for your loss. As you commemorate and honor Shona's life, know you are in my prayers and thoughts.
Eva spillers Spencer
Friday, February 16, 2024
Praying for your family
Sabrina Frantz and Sherry Walker
Friday, February 16, 2024
My heart was so saddened to hear the news of Shona’s passing. I prayed so hard to God to take away her problem and now I see God needed her in heaven. I always loved being around Shona she always lit up the room where ever she was at the time. She was a very hard worker and full of spunk and loved her Grandchildren deeply. She will be missed by a ton of her friends. Mom and I send our deepest condolences to her family.
Eric Ryan
Friday, February 16, 2024
I wish I had known. My last interaction was very casual, as if we had all the time in the world. I hate that you're not here with us anymore, but your left a beautiful mark! Hats off to you on the way you lived live! I'll try to put more thought into my daily interactions.
Rani Schwartz Campbell
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Janelle, Kebra and family, I’m so deeply saddened to hear of Shona’s passing. Plz know you all are in my thoughts & prayer's and I’m wishing for peace & strength for you all during this difficult time.
Rani????
David L Rush
Thursday, February 15, 2024
This lady was the best. She worked for me at our law firm back in the 90’s. No better folks than her parents. I have such fond memories of her. Condolences to her family and hope the family can rejoice in a life well lived.
Vicky walker
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Shona you will be missed by so many. You always had a million dollar smile, pleasant to be around, definitely a ray of sunshine where ever you were. Your quick Witt and beautiful soul could turn anyone's bad day into a good day. Rest well friend. Prayers for her family.
Curtis varnell
Thursday, February 15, 2024
So sorry to hear of Shonas passing. She was a young girl when I practiced taught in Butchs class. The Baker family has always had a special place in my heart. Prayers for the family.
Mike & Mary Gray
Thursday, February 15, 2024
So sorry to hear about Shona. We have so many fond memories of Shona & the Baker family.
Our thoughts & prayers are with the family.
Mike & Mary Gray
Sonya chilton
Thursday, February 15, 2024
So sad to hear of your passing, you were always a joy to be around. Thoughts and prayers go out to your family, Sonya chilton
Allisen Penn
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Janelle, Kebra, and Family,
I have fond memories of spending time with Shona when we lived in town. My heart breaks for your loss. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you as you celebrate and remember Shona’s life.
Alice Bennett
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Prayers for your family. So sorry for your loss she was a very sweet lady.
Jill Jernigan
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Mrs Baker , I send my condolences over shona she loved u so much and those grandkids! I have wonderful memories of shona! Y"all all r in my prayers heaven gained another beautiful and sweet Angel.
Cena Jeremiah
Thursday, February 15, 2024
My prayers go out to All of her family and friends. Shona was a special woman she brought light to everyone's life that she was a part of, such a joy to be around always high spirited. A true friend.... She will be missed by many. Love you Shona until we meet again.
Heaven has gained a top notch Angel.
R.I.P. my dear friend.
Neal Wade
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Mrs Baker
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all, Shona was a Friend, always looked forward to visiting with her at 21 west end! She had a vibrant personality and quick smile! She will be missed by many!
Neal and Tamara Wade
Sarah James
Thursday, February 15, 2024
Shona. You will always be in my heart. You always had a smile for me. Even feeling bad you had it in you to smile. You showed strength and courage till the end. I will never forget my slumber party at the creek, you made my birthday so special with the lights and the campfire pies!
Oh girl I'm going to miss you!
R I P my friend
Jeannie Floyd
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Oh shona my sweet friend. I was surprised to hear of your passing. My god comfort your family now.
Mike and Tracie Opolka
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
RIP my friend, you will be dearly missed.
Cindy nordin
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
She was a best friend to im so sad to see her gone love you always
Bill VanMeter
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Our prayers are with you all.
Chad Freeman
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Shona was one of my dearest friends going back to my childhood on Chism St. She always had one of the most vibrant personalities I’ve ever seen. She will be missed by many and my heartfelt prayers go out to her entire family. RIP my friend.
Kevin Dorwy
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Sure gonna miss you sis….see you in the other side!????????????
Dave Richards
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Oh Shona, you've left us way too soon. None of us are prepared for this news. Knowing how I felt on hearing this, I cannot even imagine how your family must be feeling right and my heart and prayers go out to them. Most of my favorite childhood memories include you, and so many more throughout the years we've known each other. Never has there been someone who shone brighter, helped more people to shine, and brought light and love into so many people's lives. You were selfless, and always worried and caring for everyone around you. The world is a much smaller place without you in it, and you will be missed every day. The beloved memory of you in the hearts of your grandkids, your son, your sister, niece nephew and all of your family and all of us will give you life as long as we are here to remember you and we will forever.
Tammy Wilson
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Shona was a sweet person. Always bright and cheerful. She will be missed. Thoughts and prayers for your family
Millissia Jones
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
To Janelle and family: There was only one Shona!! I loved running into her and her having a story to tell. She had such a vibrate personality. I am sadden by this news. So sorry for her mom and all of her family. It was just to soon! Prayers for comfort! Just know she is smiling and telling a story where ever she is. I will miss her!
Taylor Jewell
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
I have many great memories of the Bakers growing up. A lot of camping and boating. I am so glad I got to see Shona this past summer. I hadn't seen her in a few years and she popped in when I was talking to Mrs. Baker and talked like we had seen each other last week. I was so happy I got to see her before she went to work. She is always so kind and wanted to know what was going on in your life. She came in (I am a little larger and a little less hair than the last time she saw me) and she walked in the room and said "There is Nick Jewell right there!" And we all laughed. Shona seemed to never sit down she was always up and on the go! My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Baker, Kebra and her family, and Shona's family.
Alanna Jones Ezell
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Shona I will never forget all of your help at our beautiful wedding it would not have been possible without you! You were so good to my Family and never expected anything in return. It will not be the same without you at our family gatherings.
Rest in Peace Shona.
Danielle O'Bar
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Shona was always so kind to me. She took great care of her family! I am sorry for your loss and will be praying for the family to heal during this sad time.
Amy Robertson
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Sho and I met our first week at WWC and became best friends and remained friends for over forty years. I adored her. Sho was a truly amazing person who found the joy and silliness in everything life presented her. My heart is irreparably broken but I know she's at peace. Thanks for the awesome forty years of a friendship that will continue to live in my heart. Sho, I loved and will always love you.
Carrie Roberts Porter
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Shona had a smile that could light up a whole building! She genuinely made people feel “seen” and valued. The love she held for her family and friends seemed to just pour out of her being. She had a gift of hospitality that made even strangers feel special and important. I didn’t get to see her often but every time I did she would give me the biggest hugs. I thought the world of her and truly, the world is a little less bright without her here with us. We will miss her presence, and we hurt so much for those that loved her closest. May God carry you and may your memories bring you comfort.
Ed Elsken
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
Rest In Peace my friend.
Grace Walker
Wednesday, February 14, 2024
My precious friend you’re free now. You were loved more than you’ll ever know. Everyone you met you touched with your love and joy. Never saw you without your beautiful smile. Rest well Angel.
Barbara Durkee
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Janelle I just can’t believe this, I wondered why she had not returned my call we talked often. My heart is saddened for you and her children. Please let me know if I can do anything. Prayers to surround you all!
Teresa Henson Schluterman
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Janelle, Kebra and family, I am so sorry to hear of Shona's passing. I have so many memories of dance classes and high school. Every time that I would see Shona in or around town she always greeted me with a big smile. She never met a stranger, always so friendly. She is at peace with no pain and suffering. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love, Teresa Henson Schluterman
Linda Parsons
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Fly high sweet beautiful lady. So many will miss you. I don’t think you ever knew how that smile of yours could light up someone’s day as it did so many times. Always encouraging and willing to help. Gone but never forgotten.
Rhonda White
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
My heart is heavy. I loved sweet Shona
Brenda and Charlie Knoles
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Janelle and family. Our hearts and prayers are with you. We always loved seeing your pretty yard Shona cared for so diligently. Praying for you
Kelly and Mike Becker
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Sorry for your loss! Prayers for comfort and strength for your family during this time.
Richard L. Scott
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
You will be missed by many, but you also blessed so many, rest in peace my friend.
LeJean Smith
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Always loved running into Shona and getting to catch up with her! 21 West End will not be the same! So loved and will be greatly missed! Prayers for the family!
Barbette Smithson
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
All my love and prayers for the family especially Janelle. My mom would be right by your side during this time in your life if she could. I pray God’s comfort for all of you. She was a very special gal to the family and so many others. She will be missed greatly by many.
Dava Bowen Ross
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Prayers to the Family and Friends. May God continue to comfort you during this difficult time. ????
Linda Simon
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
I was one of Shona’s teachers many years ago and a down the street neighbor at two different times and addresses. She amazed me with her energy and work ethic. She was a very talented woman, and someone who never met a stranger. As their “Aya,” Shona made so many special memories for her grandchildren. My heart goes out to the family and all who loved her.
Kim Trusty
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Rest in Peace Shona. Prayers for all your family
Laurene Butler Kennedy
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Oh Shona you will be missed. You were such a kind and loving person always caring for others with everything you had. The love for your family was tremendous ??. To the family I pray a hedge of love and caring over you all. She will be missed.
Leisa Smith
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Rest easy angel. No more pain, no more suffering. You have always been such a sweetheart. You will be missed on this earthly side but we will meet again on the other side. Prayers for your family.
Sandy Hatcher
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
There are no words - just know that I am praying for God’s angels to surround you and give you His Peace!!!
Holly Wright
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
You took care of everyone and you with such live and kindness. You will be greatly missed by everyone you touched.
Vicki A Schneider
Tuesday, February 13, 2024
Your suffering is done and you will be the best guardian angel for those grandbabies. Thoughts and prayers for your family. Rest in Peace!