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Bonita Kay Baker

Bonita Kay Baker, affectionately known as Bonnie, passed away at 63 on Nov. 17, 2024, at Skagit Valley Hospital in Mount Vernon.

Born on April 21, 1961, in Boston, Mass., to Newton D. and Diane Lee Baker, she spent her formative years in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she developed a fondness for Skyline Chili and Graeter's ice cream.

Bonnie's adventurous spirit shone through her love for cycling, which saw her take a three-week break from her busy schedule to ride across the United States. Her passion for challenges extended to triathlons, where she not only completed an Ironman distance but also qualified and competed in the World Championships as a master's competitor.

Bonnie's culinary skills were another of her joys, often sharing her latest creations with friends. Her two beloved Bouvier dogs, Kenny and Ulee, were a significant part of her life, often accompanying her and her husband on walks in the local dog parks.

An accomplished academic, Bonnie graduated from Illinois Wesleyan with a bachelor's degree in nursing, and later earned her doctorate with honors from Creighton University School of Medicine. She completed her Internal Medicine residency and fellowship in pulmonary disease and critical care at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine.

As a triple board-certified doctor, Bonnie dedicated her career to caring for the most critically ill patients, often working long hours due to a shortage of pulmonologists. She was a member of the American Board of Internal Medicine and a Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians.

On June 17, 2006, Bonnie married Corey Stout in Telluride, Colo., and the couple shared a love for biking, exploring the roads around their first home in Albuquerque, N.M.

Bonnie is survived by her husband, Corey Stout; her sisters, Tamara Baker (Peter Keller) and Celinda Chandler (Jeff); her niece, Madison Chandler; her nephew, Logan Chandler; and her stepmother, Camilla Baker. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

A celebration of life ceremony will be held in the spring, with details to be announced.

 

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