Patricia Ann Baird

YATES CITY- Patricia Ann Baird, 88, of rural Yates City, died peacefully on June 6, 2019 at the home of her daughter Katherine in Mahomet, IL.

Cremation has been accorded and a Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 14 at the Williamsfield United Methodist Church. Rev. Glen Bocox will officiate. Visitation will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Thursday, June 13 at the church. Inurnment will be at Williamsfield Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to OSF Hospice of Champaign-Urbana, the Williamsfield United Methodist Church or the Galesburg YMCA.  Rux Funeral Home in Williamsfield is assisting the family with arrangements.
 
She was born December 18, 1930 in Chicago, the daughter of Thorleif and Martha (Dittman) Larsen. She married James R. Baird on June 28, 1953 in Williamsfield and he preceded her in death on July 18, 2009.  She was also preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Donald Larsen and a sister, Barbara Prignano. She is survived by a son, Douglas Byron (Nancy) Baird of Williamsfield, daughter, Katherine Ann (Jeff) Tock of Mahomet, nine grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren, one sister, Suzi Lenhart of Ponca City, OK and her little dog, Vinny.
 
Pat had attended Marengo High School and the University of Illinois graduating with a Bachelors of Music Degree. She then received her Master’s Degree from Bradley University in voice and education. She had taught kindergarten for 13 years in Yates City and had also taught private music lessons.
 
She was a member of the Williamsfield United Methodist Church for 66 years and had taught Sunday School for 25 years. She had founded the first children’s choir at the church and began the first bell choir at the church. She had also played the organ and directed the choir at St. James Catholic Church in Williamsfield. She sang in the Community Chorus in Galesburg, participated in Prairie Players musical productions in Galesburg and had presented solo musical programs throughout the area. She was a member of the Sigma Alpha Iota, a professional and philanthropic music organization as well as other performing musical clubs in Galesburg.   She had also been a Cadet Girl Scout Leader in Williamsfield and an active member of the Galesburg YMCA for 35 years.
 
Pat loved spending time with her family and grandchildren, traveling throughout the world, playing the harp and piano as well as visiting friends in nursing homes. She was a Master Gardener who enjoyed helping others, sharing her knowledge, and liked to give flowers and produce from her gardens.  
 

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