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. Memorials may be directed to the Carthage Public Library for children's programs. Printy Funeral Home of Carthage is in charge of arrangements.