Debby Frances Baker
Birthday: 1955
Debby Frances Morfeld was born September 23, 1955 in Riverton Wyoming to Lowell and Mary Morfeld. Growing up on a farm in the country Debby was the true meaning of the word Cowgirl. Debby was active in horse competitions showing raising and training her beloved horses. At the age of 6 along with family was her first but not last cattle drive moving cattle across the Wyoming prairie. She would get on her horse every morning and ride back late in the evening she loved spending time on her horse for doing what needed to be done and also for play. Debby raised and showed livestock: horses, cattle, sheep, and rabbits; being a member of her local 4H chapter. Her dogs, horses, and livestock were not just for show or profit she loved her animals dearly they were her closest friends. Debby attended Riverton High School graduating in 1973 as a Junior in the top 10% of her class. In high school she was still active with her beloved horses and livestock. She was a member of the Debate team Student Senate 4H and the girls' chapter of the Masons. After high school she attended Casper College in Casper Wyoming. Soon after Debby married and had 3 children: Jesse Thayan Baker in 1978, Melissa Frances Baker in 1983, and her youngest Jaceson Van Baker in 1992. Debby has co-owned and operated several successful businesses in Wyoming and Arizona. She is a certified Reiki Master with a remarkable gift of healing those in need and in 2000 Debby was ordained as a Minister in front of family and friends. Debby continues to donate her time and money to those in need; friend, family, and strangers. Every Christmas she adopts a family or two making sure that they will have a nice Holiday a holiday the family wouldn't otherwise have. She has devoted countless hours to La Frontera in Tucson, AZ as a part of their RAP team working to try and help the patients get through their rough spots heal and overcome. Currently Debby is a member on the Board of Directors of TRAK, the Therapeutic Ranch for Animals and Kids. Debby has always volunteered at her children's schools and presently volunteers at her grand niece's school. Not only has Debby always been a supportive accepting and understanding mother to her biological children instead of enjoying retirement she has taken on the responsibility of becoming guardian of and taking care of her grandniece Aislinn Kultgen who is like a second daughter to her. My mom Debby Frances Morfeld-Baker is a successful businesswoman and investor who has devoted much of her life in helping philanthropic educational religious and social outreach organizations. I am nominating my mom for this honor for all the above reasons. When I look at her, she is what I aspire to be beautiful (inside and out) loving accepting generous and understanding. No matter what I can always call on my mom for calming and thoughtful words with no judgments when I need reassurance. She is the reason for my drive educationally and career wise. I want her to be proud of all the things I have accomplished because after all it's only because of her that I was open and able to receive the opportunities I have. My mom is my best friend and confidant. I love her with all my heart she deserves this recognition and thanks to the University of Arizona for providing this type of opportunity to showcase the woman who has raised and taken care of us and who always will. WE LOVE YOU MOM!! ALWAYS AND FOREVER!! She is truly the phenomenal woman. Phenomenal Woman. Women wonder where my secret lies, I'm not cute or built to suit a model's fashion size, but when I start to tell them they think I'm telling lies. I say it's in the reach of my arms. The span of my hips. The stride of my steps. The curl of my lips. I'm a woman. Phenomenally Phenomenal woman. That's me. I walk into a room Just as cool as you please And to a man The fellows stand or Fall down on their knees Then they swarm around me A hive of honey bees. I say It's the fire in my eyes And the flash of my teeth The swing of my waist And the joy in my feet. I'm a woman Phenomenally Phenomenal woman That's me. Men themselves have wondered What they see in me They try so much But they can't touch My inner mystery. When I try to show them They say they still can't see. I say It's in the arch of my back The sun of my smile The ride of my breasts The grace of my style. I'm a woman Phenomenally Phenomenal woman That's me. Now you understand Just why my head's not bowed I don't shout or jump about Or have to talk real loud When you see me passing It ought to make you proud. I say It's in the click of my heels The bend of my hair The palm of my hand The need for my care. 'Cause I'm a woman Phenomenally Phenomenal woman That's me. -Maya Angelou