Helen C. (Brooks) Baird

Helen C. (Brooks) Baird was born in Salem, Missouri, on April 14, 1931, to Walter Charles Thurber and Velma Armine (Chambers) Brooks. She attended grade school at Edgar Springs and later Spring Creek. In 1948, Helen graduated from Salem High School and furthered her education obtaining her teaching certificate. Helen was united in marriage on July 7, 1951, to the love of her life, Elvin “Wayne” Baird. Helen and Wayne were blessed with three children: Linda Denise, Terence Wayne “Terry”, and Lisa Kay. Helen was a loving and devoted wife and caring supporting mother. She took great pride in raising her family and making memories together. Helen started her working career in a one room schoolhouse where she taught for seven years. She then started working as a secretary in various offices and retired as an Administrative Assistant from the University of Missouri – Rolla after many years of dedication. Helen liked to travel, camp, boat, and fish. She loved tending to her flower beds, reading, and watching or listening to the St. Louis Cardinals. She was most passionate about her family and spending time making memories with them. She treasured being called “Granny” and cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Helen was a lady of faith and longtime member of Salem Christian Church. She was an active community member and enjoyed serving with various organizations. Helen entered eternal rest on July 29, 2023, in Salem, Missouri, at the age of ninety-two years. She is survived by her loving children: Linda Hensley and husband Rick of Rapid City, SD, Terry Baird and Vickie of Viburnum, MO, and Lisa Arzt and husband Dusty of Salem, MO; sister: Wanda Anderson of Salem, MO; brother-in-law: Vearl Counts; sister-in-law: Marva Dean Brooks; grandchildren: Carin Nelson and husband Chris, Keith Hensley and wife Nikki, Julie Baird, Jess Alley and husband Glen, Hannah Gerics, Jake Arzt and wife Haley, Jon Arzt, and Josh Arzt; great-grandchildren: Madelyn Rose, Charlotte Helen, Logan, Kelsey, Amiah, Berkeley, Turner, and Murphey; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. Preceding her in death were her loving husband of fifty-eight years: Wayne Baird; parents: Walter and Velma Brooks; siblings: Gerald Brooks and wife Judy, Wayne “Son” Brooks, Joyce Wofford and husband Joe, and Ava Jean Counts; infant brother: Jerry Brooks; brother-in-law: Mike Anderson; and infant twin grandchildren: Brian Lester and Lori Michelle Hensley. Helen was beautiful inside and out. She had a bright contagious smile that lit up the room. She will be forever missed by those who loved her most. Graveside Services for Helen C. (Brooks) Baird were held Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at the Carty Cemetery with Pastor Tim Hill and Pastor Clinton Massey officiating. Song selections played were “The Lily of the Valley”, “Wonderful Grace of Jesus”, and “Above the Bright Blue”. Serving as Pallbearers were Jake Arzt, Jon Arzt, Josh Arzt, Keith Hensley, Dennis Baird, Luke Morrison, and Chris Nelson. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Salem, Missouri. Memorial Contributions may be made in memory of Helen Baird to Carty Cemetery and left at Wilson Mortuary. Memorial Envelopes will be available. Online Condolences may be entered at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Helen C. (Brooks) Baird

April 14, 1931 - July 29, 2023