Carol Jean Baird

Carol Jean Baird, aged 87, of Bozeman, MT passed away on September 26th, 2017 in the warmth of her home that was built by the family and attended with love and care. Carol was born on August 2nd, 1930 on her family farm in Wagner, SD to parents Adam and Mary Yungbluth. Born during the Great Depression, she often recalled a wonderful childhood growing up adjacent to her grandparents homestead. From her home, Carol had a clear view of her one-room school house that also shared the property. After grade school she attended Wagner high school, graduating in 1948. Throughout her childhood Carol adored her pets, particularly her cats and her Rat Terrier “Peggy.” Following high school graduation, Carol attended Notre Dame Junior College, located in Mitchell, SD, earning her teaching certificate.

She loved working as a teacher for her 4th grade classroom in Armour, SD. By chance she was set up on a date with Robert Baird, who owned the local photography studio. They fell in love and were married on August 4th, 1952 in Carol’s hometown of Wagner, SD. Carol and Robert then moved to Mitchell, SD where they opened a new photography studio. Together, they built their home and filled it with eight beautiful children. The family loved to travel, purchasing a camper that fit all ten members! Every summer, Carol and Robert closed their photography studio, packed up the family (including all 8 children, the youngest of whom was still an infant) and took off on Great Family Adventures. They saw 46 states between the years of 1968-78! While traveling through Montana, Carol and Robert fell in love with Bozeman. They landed in the foothills of the Bridger Mountains (now Grandview Heights) and literally set themselves to the task of building their second home. Once in Bozeman, Carol and her family became members of Resurrection and Holy Rosary Catholic Church, where her devout faith led them into fellowship with the church community.

Carol’s greatest joy in life was raising her eight children. She particularly enjoyed caring for her son Brian who had special needs. Carol cared for Brian until his death in 2007. She also had many hobbies and interests; from genealogical research and creating photo albums to cooking and gardening. She will be remembered by her family for her Christmas candies and delicious caramel rolls. And all will remember her for planting and tending 3,000 seedlings that is now a forest of pines on her beloved property.

Carol is preceded in death by husband Robert Baird, son Brian Baird, great-granddaughter Gilda Heckman, brothers Loysen Yungbluth, Don Yungbluth and parents Adam & Mary Yungbluth. She is survived by daughter Barbara (Jeff) Luther and their children Andy (Allie) Luther and Leia (Jon) Heckman; daughter Therese (Ron) Mueller; son Bernard (Teri) Baird and their children Christopher, Kevin (Layne) Baird and Diana (Brad) Hilton; daughter Veronica (Jim) Ellis and their children James (Mimi) Brinker, John Brinker, Laurie Briel and Jesse; son Stephen (Kris) Baird and their children Caitlin Carol and Catherine; son Rex (Gabriela) Baird and their children Rex, Isabel, and the anticipated arrival of Carolena Jean; daughter Eve (Patrick) Murphy and their children Brianna and Kathleen Carol, as well as 16 great-grandchildren.

A Rosary will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 1st, 2017 at Dahl Funeral & Cremation Service Tribute Center, followed by a Vigil. A public visitation will be held at Bittner Funeral Chapel from 5:00-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 4th followed by a prayer service to being at 7:30 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 5th at Holy Spirit Catholic Church located in Mitchell, SD. Burial is to follow at 2:00 p.m. at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery located in Armour, SD. Memorials may be made in Carol’s honor to Reach Inc. (Bozeman) or any Alzheimer’s foundation of your choosing