D. Heather Baum, 64, of Springfield, MO died knowing love and peace on Friday, November 22, 2013. She was born April 8, 1949 in St. Louis, MO to Harold and Betty Hale with sister Carol Anne. Heather started every morning thanking God for another day; living with style and grace under difficult circumstances. She preceded a doting husband and best friend, James, as well as Son, Ethan and adopted daughter Catherine, adored grandson Blaze, numerous students and unread books. Heather so loved learning and teaching that she successfully brought the Sylvan Learning Center franchise from Portland, OR to Springfield, MO. Heather passed out books to kids instead of Halloween goodies. She loved her involvement in our community by enthusiastically and diligently serving the Democratic Party, was an active member of the women's softball team, the Red Hot Tamales and cheerfully modeled in art studios at MSU well into her fifties. Heather enjoyed rescuing pets from shelters. She is with St. Francis certainly. Heather's family is proud of her decision to have donated her body to science and her love of the Ramones. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Southwest Missouri, 3161 W. Norton Road Springfield, Missouri 65803.