Ida M. Baird

Ida M. Baird, 68, went to be with Jesus on June 23, after a long illness. She was the first of seven children born to Alvin and Hildarene Lerew in Chehalis, Washington, on November 2, 1942. Ida grew up in Tacoma, Washington. She attended Seattle Pacific College for two years. In 1964 she married Dan Baird in Tacoma, and the couple lived in Seattle until Dan graduated in 1966, when they moved to Dan's hometown of Oakland where they lived until her death. Ida worked for a judge, a lawyer, and a bank vice-president before they started their family. While raising three little ones she taught piano and organ lessons to as many as 45 students per week. When the children entered school she finished earning her degree in education from the University of Oregon, and taught elementary school in Sutherlin for more than 23 years. She earned her Masters Degree in 1988. Ida was recognized as Teacher of the Year in 1996. Ida was a life-long learner and was always eager to learn more about butterflies and bugs, rocks and flowers. She was a fine runner and she and Dan rode tandem bicycles over much of the Northwest. Ida loved music, and played the organ at Calapooia Free Methodist Church for over 35 years. An accomplished seamstress, she made many clothes, quilts, and afghans. Ida was preceded in death by her father. She is survived by her mother, husband Dan, and children Brian of Salem, Andrea Hale (Jeff) of Astoria, and Todd (Becky) of Beaverton, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Also surviving are sisters Marcia Thuline (Dale) of Seattle, Lois Ferguson (Stephen) of Brewster, Washington, and Anita Robinson (Ryan) of Federal Way, Washington, and brothers Duane (Ginny) of Tacoma, Elvin (Teresa) of Tacoma, Keith (Deb) of Fox Island, Washington, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the caregivers at Chantele's Loving Touch for their compassionate care over the last two years of her life. A celebration of Ida's life will be held at 12:00pm on Saturday July 2, 2011 at the Calapooia Free Methodist Church followed by a reception for family and friends. She will be laid to rest at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Oakland, Oregon. Donations can be made to the building fund of Calapooia Free Methodist Church. Please visit her website at sutherlinchapeloftherosesfh.com.