Betty Jean Baird

Betty Jean Baird, age 90, a 37-year resident of Oak Harbor, died Jan. 3, 2014, at Careage of Whidbey. She was born May 15, 1923, in Redondo, Calif., to Robert and Anna Gerbe. She was the youngest of five children.

Betty graduated from George Washington High School in Los Angeles and attended Queen of Angeles Hospital, College of Nursing, Los Angeles, graduating as a registered nurse in 1945. Betty worked as an RN at Daniel Freeman Hospital, where she was actively involved as class alumni coordinator for many years.

Betty was married on Nov. 12, 1945, to David E. Baird in Hyde Park, Calif. Throughout their marriage, they moved from California to Texas, where they built and operated a bowling alley, Las Vegas, Southern California and Oregon. In 1977, they moved to Oak Harbor.

Betty worked various nursing positions wherever they moved. She spent 11 years as a staff nurse at United General Hospital, Sedro-Woolley, retiring in 1988.

Betty was an active member of St. Augustine Catholic Church, Oak Harbor, where she was a frequent volunteer for fund raisers and the agape dinners. She was a member of the Whidbey Golf and Country Club, where she enjoyed playing cards with her friends.

Betty was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by her daughter Carmel and husband Robert of Oak Harbor; grandson Charles Walter and wife Wendy of Oak Harbor; four great grandchildren, Elizabeth, Samantha, Colby and Cian Walter. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and brothers Frank, Herman, Bernie and Bob.

Funeral Mass for Betty Baird will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, at St. Augustine Catholic Church, Oak Harbor with Rev. Paul Pluth, JCL as Celebrant. Rites of Committal will follow at Maple Leaf Cemetery. A reception will follow in the parish hall at church. Friends and family are encouraged to share memories and condolences utilizing the Book of Memories hosted by Wallin Funeral Home at www.wallinfuneralhome.com