Colleen Tait Baird, 94, died Friday, November 24, 2023 at her home in Orderville, Utah surrounded by her loved ones. She was born April 18, 1929 in Kanab, UT to Ellis Carson and Lola Crofts Tait. She married Arden Heaton Baird on July 5, 1945 in the St. George Temple.
Colleen attended school at Valley Elementary and high school. At the age of 16 she married Arden, her high school sweetheart, while he was home on furlough from the U.S. Army. Many said they were so young, but they went on to raise seven children while living in Orderville. They were married 54 years before Arden passed in 1999.
At the age of 5 Colleen’s father passed away leaving Lola, her mother, to raise she and her sister, Darlos. Colleen recalled living with her grandfather and grandmother Crofts during her childhood, and had many aunts, uncles and cousins who were there to help with their upbringing. She learned to work hard and to do things right the first time. Colleen enjoyed her family and children, teaching them many life skills and gospel principles. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed cooking for large groups.
She served in various church callings: Relief Society, Primary, Young Women and as librarian. Anything and everything she did was always with 110 % commitment. She worked periodically throughout her life to help with the challenges of raising their 7 children. She later worked at the White Mountain Trading Post where she had the opportunity to meet new people from around the world. Colleen always liked to dress well and keep herself looking sharp and the job at White Mountain really fit into that scheme of things. She could have worn a gunny sack and made it look good. Her hobbies included sewing, crocheting and quilting. Each new grandchild was the recipient of new handmade blanket to bundle them up in. She loved her family so much and wanted to make sure that we never forget her. She told us to think of her often.
Survivors include children: Lon Riggs, Port Angeles, WA, Donald (Deone) Baird, Glendale, Mary Lee (Lamont) Smith, Orderville, Carol Lynn (Nick) Ramsay, Kanab, Robert (Kellee) Baird, Glendale, Marlene (Larell) Roundy, Enoch, Kathryn (Jeffrey) Mitchell, South Jordan. 27 grandchildren, 56 great grandchildren and 13 great, great grandchildren. Sister, LeNise (Albert) Zylstra, Highland, brothers, Cashe (Jan) Burrows, Glendive, MT and John (Kathryn) Burrows, Scenic, AZ. Colleen is preceded in death by her husband, mother and father, Sherrie, her oldest daughter, sister, Darlos, granddaughter, Stacia Roundy and grandson Russell Roundy.
Services will be held Monday, December 4, 2023 at 1 PM in the Orderville Latter-day Saint Chapel. Viewings will be held on Sunday, December 3 from 5:30 to 7 PM and on Monday from 11:30 to 12:45 PM at the chapel. Burial will be in the Orderville Cemetery under the direction of Mosdell Mortuary.

You are invited to watch the Funeral Services through the Zoom Link Below.

https://zoom.us/j/94592278638?pwd=emwvajE1WGdLQ3lSaExZNS9ZMFhDQT09