Krista Leigh Baehler, 32, of Omaha, Neb., went to be with her Lord and Savior on April 4, 2020, at 12:42 a.m.
Krista was born July 4, 1987, in Newton. She passed after complications due to Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Krista graduated from Central Christian High School in 2007 and received her associate of arts degree from Hutchinson Community College in 2009. In 2011, Krista graduated from Kansas State University with a bachelor of science in dietetics. It was with great pride she earned her registered dietitian license, after completing the 1,200 internship hours and passing the exam.
Krista served Omaha as the Community Cooking and Nutrition Education Specialist for a coalition of nonprofits, private corporations and public colleges titled “Soil to Sustenance.” She built cooking and nutrition curriculum, and outcome measurements and recipes for people experiencing poverty and worked to bring a major grant award to sustain the program for many years. After being hospitalized, Krista continued to develop measurement criteria and reached out to community nutrition programs in Texas and California to build a model for Omaha to serve those in need. Krista was a humble and loving role model for countless children. She loved not only in words but also by many acts of kindness and service.
Throughout her life, Krista combined her love of horses with her love of Jesus in ministry to others. As an adult, Krista taught at horsemanship camps at her mother’s Cedar Ridge Ranch. She loved teaching the excited children how to ride and care for horses. Krista had an extraordinary love of horses, especially her barrel horse, Newt, that she shared with her sister, Kendra. Krista had a bond with Newt, which enabled each to help the other heal from many serious health issues. Her father’s loving care of Newt helped Krista and Kendra have success in the arena. Krista’s accomplishments included competing at the National High School Rodeo Finals in Gillette, Wyo., as one of the top four-barrel racers in Kansas. She loved to compete and won many buckles and other awards.
Survivors include: mother, Karen Baehler, Ph.D. and her fiancé Max Carroll, both of Hutchinson; father, Gary Baehler, DVM with wife Julie, Moundridge; sister, Kendra Hopp with husband Brian and nephew Baylor, McPherson; grandmother, Faye Frankamp, Newton; sister of the heart, Angela Estes, Lebanon, Oregon; boyfriend, Chris Peterson, Omaha, Nebraska; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Friends who were loved as family and mentors included: Janet Olbricht, Newton, James and Juna Keever, Hutchinson, Pam Turner, St. John, Kathy Mendenhall, Phillip Torgrimson, Hutchinson, and Craig Howell, Omaha. Those who preceded her in death include: grandparents, Everett and Helen Baehler, Dale Frankamp, and Jim Keever Sr.
A private service will be at Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, and a private interment will be at Smoky Hill Cemetery, Lindsborg. A guest book visitation with personal memorabilia and pictures will be at Elliott Mortuary from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 9 and 10. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to be made in Krista’s honor to “Together,” where she served as a dietitian. Donations may be made online at togetheromaha.org. or by check to Together, 812 S. 24th street, Omaha, NE 68108. Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson, is in charge of arrangements.
