Sharon L. Baker

Sharon L. Baker, age 73, who had exceeding joy and love for her family, friends, horses, and pets, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family on January 14, 2020 after a short and noble battle with cancer.

Survived by husband Dennis L. Baker of Eagle, Nebraska; daughter Michaele Kujath, Lincoln Nebraska; son Kevin Kujath & Nicole Jensen, Greenwood, Indiana; grandsons: Joshua & Elizabeth (Sechrest) Kujath, Papillion, Nebraska; Stuart Kujath & Amanda Clark, Apple Valley, Minnesota; and Graeson Kujath, son of Kevin and Nicole. Preceded in death by parents Michael J. and Mary Elizabeth (Custis) Schmal and brother Michael J. Schmal Jr.

Born in Fairbury, Nebraka (formally of Beatrice & Lincoln), her friends that knew her then called her “Stormie.” The doctor that delivered her during a fierce thunderstorm gave her the befitting moniker.

Sharon realized her dream come true when she and husband Dennis formally of Unadilla, Nebraska moved to their acreage just outside of Eagle, Nebraska in 2003. Finally, her horse: The Alchemist ‘Doc’ was right outside her door and she was home. There were many fur and feather companions on the acreage that added joy to their lives. She told countless stories about her beloved horses, chickens, cats, dogs & Guinea Hens.

Sharon worked at different jobs to provide for her family, many times as a single mother: Weavers Potato Chip Co, Centel Corporation, Payless Cashways Inc, United Parcel Service & Ready Mix Concrete Co. She drove a school bus while her children were in grade school. Sharon retired from the Department of Correctional Services October 13, 2017 after a career beginning as a Buyer in the Purchasing Department and advancing to Business Manager at multiple facilities during her 20-year tenure.

Sharon and Dennis enjoyed Carriage Driving together and Sharon competed fearlessly in Combined Driving Events (CDEs) with Doc. She and Doc had over 25 years together and gradually gained the trust in each other needed to compete. She said that Doc taught her everything she needed to know about competitive Carriage Driving.

She became a member of the Unadilla Christian Church around 2004 where she and Dennis preformed numerous songs together in praise.

Other interests included singing, photography, motorcycles & horse races which fostered a love for Secretariat, an American Thoroughbred racehorse who, in 1973, became the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years. Most recently she enjoyed discovering old barns while traveling to visit family, Professional & College Football and The World Series. She loved her church family as well as many friends that she considered family.

A celebration of Sharon’s life was on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at 10:30 a.m. at the Unadilla Christian Church, 400 Sixth Street in Unadilla, Nebraska.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family.

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