Olivia Smith Baird Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Olivia Lea Smith Baird, formerly of Lehi, Utah, peacefully passed away at home with her husband by her side on November 5, 2020. Olivia loved everyone and everyone loved her. She will be dearly missed. On November 27, 1944, Olivia was born in Colorado Springs, Colorado to Oliver and Barbara Smith. She grew up in Provo, UT with her loving family and was the second eldest of eight children. She attended BY High, and during her junior year her father took the family to Hawaii on sabbatical where she attended Kahuku High School. Both schools were dear to her heart, and later in life she hosted and planned reunions for both. Throughout her youth she developed a love for several sports and activities including tennis, swimming, volleyball, waterskiing, softball, hula dancing, surfing, and drill team. After high school, she attended BYU and graduated in Elementary Education. Later, she married Charles Baird on November 15, 1968 in the Salt Lake City Temple and then taught second grade for one year. They were blessed with six children, and the importance of family showed through how she loved and cared for her children as a homemaker for many years. Throughout their marriage, they lived in Santa Monica, CA for 13 years; Las Vegas, NV for 22 years; and then retired to Lehi, UT to be closer to family. Everywhere Olivia lived, she made friends and considered them friends forever. For both friends and those she hadn’t previously met, she was a wonderful host who always provided a comfortable place to sleep, food to eat, and of course games to play, so much so that her home was nicknamed "The Baird Hotel”. A major part of Olivia's life was dedicated to volunteering and serving others. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, she served valiantly in a variety of church callings including president of the Primary, Young Women, and Relief Society. She also sponsored two Vietnamese refugee families, was heavily involved in PTA and Scouting, and aided in political campaigning and numerous medical fund raisers. Her leadership and organization were exceptional. Everything she did was with a cheerful heart, and when she saw a need she would help without waiting to be asked. Olivia had a strong belief and testimony of her Savior, Jesus Christ and wanted to share that testimony with those around her. She always invited neighbors and friends to learn more about Christ, and in January 2008 she and her husband began a 23-month mission in Kiev, Ukraine. In 2010 she learned that her health was beginning to decline. Despite the challenges this brought, she remained thoughtful of others and continued to open her heart and home to all. She was aware of anyone not included and would always find a way to include them. Quietly and without any desire for recognition, she was generous. She lifted and blessed the world by being a part of it and left it better for us all. Olivia was survived by her husband, Charles Avard Baird, and her six children: Jennifer Yeates (Gary) of Pennsylvania, John Baird (Jamie) of Virginia, Michael Baird (Kimberly) of Nevada, Emily Thompson (Chad) of Nevada, Stuart Baird (Katie) of Nevada, and Laura Corbridge (Shaun) of Utah. She was also survived by 34 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren; by sisters Kay Rytting, Becky Snyder, and Debby Smith; and brothers Ken Smith, Ron Smith and Rick Smith. She was preceded in death by her sister, Dorothy Gillespie, and 2 grandchildren. We would like to give a special thanks to all the caregivers who lovingly took care of Olivia during her ten years of health decline from Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia. A private family Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, November 14th, 10:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 9681 North 6900 West, Highland, Utah and will also be broadcast on http://mywebcast.churchofjesuschrist.org/lehiutahcedarhollowstake There will be a Friday night viewing from 6-8pm and a Saturday morning viewing from 9-9:45am both at the church. Interment will be in the Provo City Cemetery. COVID protocol will be observed and masks and social distancing during all these events will be required. Olivia would be pleased if in lieu of flowers, donations were made to Primary Children's Hospital or to any other charity of your choice. https://secure3.convio.net/ihchs/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app367a?df_id=1566&mfc_pref=T&1566.donation=form1&NONCE_TOKEN=45105346AC10EFFA37CE14D8BF4962A4

Olivia Smith Baird

November 27, 1944 - November 5, 2020

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