Nita Baird, 101

Nita Jane Baird, age 101, of Sturgis, passed away Sunday morning, Jan. 31, 2021, at Thurston Woods Villa in Sturgis.
She was born Sept. 25, 1919, in Elkhart, a daughter of the late Cecil and Flossie (Fisher) Rex.
Nita Jane was a longtime Sturgis resident and graduate of Sturgis High School with the class of 1937. She also had lived in South Bend, and Kalamazoo.
On Oct. 22, 1941, she married Elwin P. Baird in Howe, Ind. He preceded her in death Sept. 19, 1996.
She had been involved in independent artwork for Kirsch Company in Sturgis.
Nita Jane was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Sturgis, where she served as a deacon, Sunday school superintendent and enjoyed participating in Bible studies. She also held memberships in Berkley Garden Club and the Questers and Unique Antique clubs.
She is survived by two daughters, Pamela Jane (Daniel) Strope of Battle Creek and Debra Jean (Martin) Smith of Kalamazoo; four grandchildren, Rebekka Vetter, Ramanda Gregory, Adam (Dusty) Smith and Jennifer (Cory) Johnson; a step-granddaughter, Jennifer (Russ) Mitman; and nine great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two sisters, Evangeline Weaver and Charlotte Rex; and a brother, Garnel Rex.
In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service celebrating and honoring the life of Nita Jane Baird and burial of the ashes at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis will be held at a later date, to be announced.
Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with arrangements.
The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Mrs. Baird’s memory consider First Presbyterian Church, 1320 S. Lakeview Ave., Sturgis, MI 49091.

Her obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com, where relatives and friends may share memories and leave condolences for the family.