Priscilla Ann Baird

Priscilla passed away peacefully, in her sleep, on July 12, 2020, just a month shy of her 86th birthday. She was vacationing with family in North Carolina. Priscilla was born in Richfield, Utah to Stephen Roy and Zina Armina Huff Boswell on August 9, 1934. She was the youngest of 10 children. When she was two years old, the family moved to Provo, Utah where she lived until marriage. Many knew Priscilla as Perky or Aunt Perk. Priscilla witnessed many major world events and saw the innovation or implementation of many products we now use daily including the household TV, computers, cell phones, etc. She made the national news when she was shown being rescued from the flooding of Rush Creek in Arlington, Texas in 2010. She was a child during World War II. Five of her siblings, four brothers and one sister, all served in the military during the war. When her brother Howard, an Air Force pilot, got his own plane, he named it “Perky Ann” after his sister. Priscilla was an excellent student and proud of the fact that she never missed a word on any of her spelling tests all through school. She graduated from Provo High School in Provo, Utah in 1952. Following high school, she attended Brigham Young University where she was involved in many activities including being a member of the Cougarette Drill Team and College Choir. In 1953, she married her sweetheart Alan Baird in the Salt Lake Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were married for 53 years before Alan passed away in 2006. She never removed her wedding ring as she still considered herself married to him as his eternal companion. Priscilla was the mother of seven children, four boys and three girls. Plus, there were many more who were welcomed into their home. Priscilla believed there was always room for one (or two) more whether that was a place at the table or a bed to sleep in. Priscilla loved music and being creative. She was an active singer in the Timpanogos Chorale in Utah for many years. After moving from Utah, she continued to find ways to be involved with music by going to concerts or listening to her favorites. John Philip Sousa marches were at the top of the list. She was the chorister for church services, on and off, for most of her adult life. In addition to music, she was a talented baker and cake decorator. She made and decorated hundreds birthday and wedding cakes. For a brief time, she owned and operated the Galleria Reception Center in American Fork, Utah. While living in Texas, she was the cook for the Rotary Club in Fort Worth for 10 years. She was also the first cook for the Presbyterian Night shelter in Fort Worth for several years. She often said how blessed she was after returning home from cooking for the shelter. Everyone loved her bread, which she baked loaves of by the dozen. She also began sewing as a teenager. She made many clothes for herself and her children. She also made many costumes for her children. In her later years, she added quilting to her list of talents. She made more than 60 quilts, one for each of her children and grandchildren and for many others. She loved to read, solve crossword puzzles, and she always looked forward to her weekly ‘girlfriends' lunch. She loved to drive. She would prefer to drive to someone's house to ask them a question rather than pick up the phone. She wanted to see and interact with the person she was talking to. Priscilla and Alan moved over 30 times, including living in Utah, Maryland, Washington, Texas, Florida, Illinois, Colorado, and most recently South Carolina. She often commented that her life story was her husband's story as she supported and followed him in his many adventures and job changes. There were some struggles and dark times, but she never let them keep her down. All her life, she was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served in many areas of responsibility including the children's Primary, Stake Young Women's President, Ward Relief Society President, chorister, Temple worker and more. Her favorite scripture was found in 3 John 1:4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” She considered her family her most valuable treasure. She demonstrated this by wearing a mother's ring representing her seven children and a bracelet with charms representing each of her 31 grandchildren. As great-grandchildren came along, she added a second charm bracelet to represent each of the 26 great-grandchildren. Her bracelet was a conversation starter with anyone who asked or would listen. She was loved by family, friends, employers, and many others. She will be missed. Priscilla was preceded in death by her parents, eight of her siblings, her husband Alan, and son Bryan. She is survived by: Bryan's wife Jo Baird, North SLC, Utah; Lisa Earl (Keith), Duncanville, Texas; Kendall Baird (Sydney), Murray, Utah; Bradley Baird (Terrie), Utah; Sandra Howells (Roger), Utah; Lauralan Campbell (Tye), Lexington, South Carolina; Cris Baird (Janae), Arlington, Texas. Thirty-one grandchildren*, 26 great-grandchildren*, her brother Ralph Boswell, Los Angeles, CA; Melodee M. Baird Paul, Lehi, Utah; and many extended family members. Funeral services will be held at the Wade Funeral Home, Arlington, Texas, on August 4, 2020 at 10:00 am. Service will be for family members only. All other may view the service from the Funeral Home website: https://memorial.wadefamilyfuneralhome.com/priscilla-baird/4285887/obituary.php *Grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Alan Earl; Justin Earl (Alycia), Jackson, Cody, Brooke, Luke, Paisley; Kevin Earl; Kira Capps (Todd), Orrin, Leila, Clive, Grey; Kody Baird (Sarah), Virginia; Susanna Earl, Vivian; Dusty Baird (Angela), Kara, Zeona; Oliver Howells (Natalie), Liam, Wesley; Skyler Baird (Ruta), Bryan, Ava, Abby, Zavy; Bria Gunter (Brett), Ryder, Elise; Gloria Baird; Meilian Clark (Prescott), Manning; Sara Southwick (Brian), Theo; Hannah Baird; Tyla Campbell; Jessica Baird; Heather Martin (Trevor); Chatham Campbell; Harrison Baird; Andrea Peck (Josh), Parker, Amarra, Benjamin; Bryeson Campbell; Olivia Baird; Kenzie Howells; Jason Baird; Diana Howells; Diana Baird; Pazlan Campbell; Diego Howells; Matthew Baird; Rylan Campbell; Jeffrey Baird. Wade Family Funeral Home (817) 274-9233