Dortha Ellen May Baird, 91, Marion, went to be with the Lord at 4:20 p.m. on Monday, July 17, 2017. She was born in Middletown, Indiana, on April 29, 1926, to the late Arthur and Kary (Jackson) Hiday. Dortha married Clarence Andrew Baird on April 24, 1943, and they shared 51 years together until he preceded her in death on July 14, 1994. After Clarence died, she lived independently until May 24, 2017.
Dortha was a domestic engineer and she lived her life faithfully serving her family. She loved to cook and bake and always looked forward to Friday night family dinners, as well as taking family pictures. Her life was also one that was in service for the Lord. She was a member of Hillside Wesleyan Church for over 60 years, and both she and her husband helped build the church. Dortha was actively involved at Hillside through Sunday School, singing in the choir, and helping in the kitchen for dinners. Until her passing, Dortha was the oldest living member of Hillside Wesleyan.
She will be missed dearly by her children, Marvin D. Baird, Muir, Michigan, Mary Ellen (Steven) Smith, Marion, and Kary S. (Dale) Monroe, Roanoke; 8 grandchildren, Korina S. Haga, Michigan, Marvin DeWayne (Michelle) Baird, Tennessee, Peter K. (Andrea) Baird, California, Ryan C. (Lori) Baird, California, Katherine E. Monroe, Nevada, Josh D. Monroe, Fort Wayne, Suzanne L. Smith, Converse, and Nathan A. (LeeAnna) Smith, Jonesboro; several great- and great-great-grandchildren with one great-grandchild on the way; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to Dortha’s husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her son and daughter-in-law, George T. and Janice Baird; daughter-in-law, Leona Baird; grandson-in-law, Scott Haga; and 8 siblings.
The family will receive visitors from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday, July 20, 2017, at Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral Service, North Chapel, 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion.
A celebration of life service for Dortha will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 21, 2017, at Hillside Wesleyan Church with a one-hour visitation prior to the service. Pastor Gary Bingham will be officiating with burial following at Gardens of Memory.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Hillside Wesleyan Church, 2510 S. Home Ave., Marion, IN 46953.
Online condolences may be made at www.nswcares.com.