Karen Baird

Karen Baird, 76, of Carthage, passed away at 6:01 PM, Wednesday,
September 10, 2025, at her daughter’s home in Hannibal.
Karen was born January 2, 1949, the daughter of Joseph and Betty
(Shoup) Newman in Keokuk, Iowa. She attended Carthage High School,
graduating in 1967 and went on to receive her bachelor’s degree in early
childhood development from Western Illinois University followed by her
master’s degree, also in Early Childhood Education. On October 25, 1991,
she was united in marriage to Tom Baird in Kahoka, Missouri. Karen
worked as a parent educator for the Carthage and Unity school districts.
She loved reading.
Karen is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth “Libby” (Anthony “Tony”)
Slater from Hannibal, MO; grandchildren, Thomas T.J. (Jaykob Wallace)
Slater and Anna (Rami) Slater-Wehbe; a sister, Diana (John) Bollin of
Dallas City; and nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Tom Baird; and a
sister, Connie Purdy.
Family will meet friends from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Friday evening, September
26, 2025, at Printy Funeral Home in Carthage. Burial will be in Harmony
Township Cemetery at a later date. Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in
charge of arrangements. Memorials may be directed to the
Carthage Public Library for children’s programs. Printy Funeral Home of
Carthage is in charge of arrangements.