Obituary: Billie Lou Baird

April 7, 1944 – July 26, 2026

Billie Lou Baird, of Bedford, Indiana, formerly of Manhattan, Kansas, died peacefully on July 26th, 2026, at Westview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

She was born April 7th, 1944, in Seneca, Kansas, the daughter of William and Fleta Morrison Palmer.

She was preceded in death by her parents and stepfather Frank Swain, a sister Della Cleland, her daughter Susan Coon Caraballo, a granddaughter Jessica Coon, a grandson Jason Hearth, and a great-granddaughter Kaitlynn Hearth.

She leaves behind her loving husband Robert Baird, sons Robert Coon and Tom Coon (Tasha), daughters Debbie Hearth (Bryon) and Donna Bradfield (Tim), 23 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by brothers Charles Swain, William H. Palmer Jr., Clarence Palmer and Bernard Palmer; sisters Fleta Pellor, Marjorie Gentry, Linda Buessisng, Connie Engelken and Clara Reinecke.

Billie lived a life of great faith and was a member of Agape Family Church in Kansas, and while living in Indiana, she was a member of Guise Point Church.

She loved Jesus. She was faithful to God and did those things that he called her to do. A ministry important to her was being an LPN, working in several facilities in Manhattan, Kansas, including Meadowlark Hills, where she retired after 25 years of service.

Billie was gifted at making strangers feel welcome and loved. Her hands, arms, and home were always open to those who needed a hug or a place to feel safe and warm. She was truly a special gift from God to her family and friends, and we are blessed to have loved and been loved by her.

Thank you, Father God, for allowing us to be gifted by such a blessing in our lives.

Services for Billie will take place in Manhattan, Kansas.

Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com.