Ruth Baird

(From Knell Mortuary)

Ruth Nadine Strong Baird, beloved mother, grandmother, teacher, friend, and woman of deep faith, passed away Friday, September 18, 2026, at the age of 101, surrounded by her family. She leaves a remarkable legacy of family, faith, education, and love.

Ruth was born August 19, 1925, to Clarence and Sadie Strong in Beaver, Oklahoma, where she grew up with her brothers Stanley, Darroll, and Doyle. She graduated from Beaver High School in 1943 and Oklahoma College for Women in Chickasha in 1947. Education remained important throughout her life. She earned her teaching certificate and went on to complete her master's degree in education from the University of Missouri–Kansas City in 1976.

Ruth began her professional career with the Gas Service Company, where she met Kenneth Baird. They married in Beaver, Oklahoma, in September 1952.

Ruth devoted more than two decades of her life to teaching. She began as director and teacher at Good Shepherd Preschool in Columbia, Missouri, in 1963 and later taught at Ridgeway Elementary School. After Ruth and Kenneth moved to the Kansas City area in 1975, she continued teaching in the Raytown School District until retiring in 1986. During her years as an educator, Ruth touched the lives of countless children and families. Her love of learning and her gift for teaching continued long after she left the classroom.

Faith was at the center of Ruth's life. She was a devoted member of her church, where she taught Sunday school, played in the bell choir, and served on numerous women's committees over the years. Her commitment to serving others continued well into her later years, including two mission trips to Haiti while in her 90s. Ruth lived her faith through service, kindness, and a genuine interest in others, and she had a gift for making people feel welcomed and valued.

Above all, Ruth treasured her family. She was the devoted mother of eight and firmly believed there were no “step” or “half” children in her family—only her children, whom she loved as her own. That generous understanding of family extended through the many generations that followed.

As the family grew, so did the names by which Ruth was lovingly known. Over the years, she went from Grandma to Mema, Granny, G-Ma-B, E-Ma, G.G. (Great Grandma), and finally G.G.G. Each new name represented another generation of the family she loved so dearly.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Baird; her children, Skip Baird, Sandy Heishman, Tom Baird, and Stanley Baird; her son-in-law, Del Heishman; her parents, Clarence and Sadie Strong; and her brothers, Stanley, Darrold, and Doyle Strong.

She is survived by her children, Caroline Hart, Cindy Baird, Ruth Ann and Bruce Heberle, and Debi and Bruce McWilliams; her daughter-in-law, Darla Baird; as well as her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, extended family members, and dear friends.

Ruth spent her later years at Foxwood Springs, where she formed many cherished friendships with residents and staff. Her family is grateful for the friendship, kindness, and care she received from the community she called home.

Ruth's 101 years were measured not simply by their extraordinary number, but by the lives she touched along the way—the children she taught, the faith she lived, the friendships she nurtured, and the generations of family she loved.

How blessed we are, and how blessed we have been.

A graveside service will be held at 12 pm, on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at Paradise Cemetery in Jasper, Missouri. A Celebration of Life will also be held at a later date, with details to be announced. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.