Dena Leann (Lilley) Baker age 42, daughter of Maynard Leroy Lilley & Carol Ann Lilley (Markovich), was born on September 28th, 1975 in Springfield Missouri, and went to her heavenly home on November 18th, 2017.

Dena spent her childhood years in Buffalo Missouri and at the age of 13 her family moved to Independence, Missouri where she attended Holy Family grade school and went on to attend and graduate from St Mary’s High School. She went on to Central State University where was part of a sorority and made many treasured memories.

Dena was an avid swimmer and worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor for the YMCA and American Red Cross. She spent her adult years working as a retail account executive for AT&T wireless.

Dena’s hobbies included making jewelry, swimming, cooking, grilling, gardening, photography and most of all spending quality time with those she loved and cherished, but without a doubt her greatest joy in life that made her heart the happiest was being a mom to her beautiful children Christian and Chloe and a stepmom to Jaxson and Kira.

Dena was preceded in death by her grandparents, George and Caroline Markovich and Maynard and Lucille Lilley.

Dena is survived by her parents, Leroy and Carol Ann Lilley; her husband, Race Baker; her children, Christian and Chloe Muza; her step children, Jaxson and Kira Baker; her brothers, Jeff Lilley, Greg Lilley and his wife Jennifer, Chris Lilley and wife Kim; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends.

Dena will be forever remembered by her beautiful smile and contagious laugh. The way she treated others with her kind and gentle heart is a legacy that she leaves for all that knew and loved her.

The family is tremendously thankful for the outpouring of love and support during this most difficult time. Please feel free to share a special memory or photo here as they would love to know how she touched each of you.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 am until 10:00 am Saturday morning, November 25, 2017 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 2818 E. Bennett Street, Springfield, Missouri.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held, following the visitation, at 10:00 am Saturday morning, November 25, 2017 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church.

A graveside service will be held at 1:30 pm Saturday afternoon, November 25, 2017 at Church Grove Cemetery near Foose, Missouri just South of Buffalo, Missouri.

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com