The Excelsior Standard, Jan. 13, 2023

At 2:50 p.m., Jan. 4, 2023, Vollie Kay Baker Staponski’s spirit entered heaven, by her own choice, on her terms, with her dignity and surrounded by family.

Vollie was born May 9, 1951, in Excelsior Springs to parents Robert and Anna Sue Baker. She was a mother hen to three sisters and one brother. Growing up and attending school in Excelsior Springs, she graduated high school in 1969. High school was where Vollie met the love of her life, Joe Staponski.

Vollie and Joe were joined in marriage on Oct. 4, 1969; and with love, patience and hard work, they raised three children: Andy, Jenny and Timmy. Vollie graduated from the Martinez School of Cosmetology and worked as a beautician before starting her next career at Hallmark Cards. She worked there for 20 years before calling in to announce her retirement. After that, she got bored quickly and got a part-time job at John’s Super, where she met many more friends.

Vollie enjoyed watching her children in sporting events and then her grandchildren as well. Her favorites included basketball, dance, wrestling, volleyball, track and gymnastics. In her spare time, she spent countless hours cooking at the Vet’s Club for her family and others. Vollie was also a member of the Fruendin Club and Veteran’s Ladies Auxillary. However, there is no doubt her favorite past time was going to the “boat.” She enjoyed playing the slot machines, computer games and watching horse racing. She will be dearly missed by Caesar’s Entertainment.

Vollie was preceded in death by her parents; nephew, Josh Constant; sister, Joann Fisher; and nephew, Alan Fisher.

A wonderful sister, wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many, she leaves behind her husband of 53 years, Joseph Staponski; children left to miss her, Andrew (Valerie) Staponski, Jennifer (Anthony) Price and Timothy (Erin) Staponski; grandchildren, Sabrina (Tyler), Josh (Ciara), Marcus, Sky, Ashton, Alani, Imber; siblings, Roger (Linda) Baker, Haldeen O’Dell and Robin (John) Constant; and countless nieces, nephews and dear cousins.

A celebration to rejoice and remember her life welllived will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. on Jan. 28 at the Clay and Ray Veteran’s Club in Excelsior Springs.