Shawna Jan Baird

Shawna Jan Merrell Baird, age 63, our cherished wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend peacefully returned to her Father in Heaven surrounded by family on Saturday, October 27, 2018. Shawna was born May 17, 1955 in Bellflower, California. She was the first child of Vern Carl and Berniece Zeeman Merrell.

Shawna grew up in Provo, Utah and attended West Harris Elementary, Farrer & Dixon Middle School, and Provo High School class of 1973. She attended Brigham Young University where she served as Cultural Vice President, and graduated with a bachelors in English in 1977.

Shawna lived a full life. She was truly a "Jill of all trades" and held many careers as a server, rock band manager, school teacher, teacher's advocate with AFT, and real estate professional. She was also a master seamstress, often making her own clothes, and imparted to many her love of sewing. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she tenderly served her friends and neighbors as a Relief Society and Primary president, along with being a teacher, secretary, pianist, and chorister in various auxiliaries.

Shawna was diagnosed with Stage IV Breast Cancer in January 2016. Following her diagnosis, she threw herself into family history work. She submitted over seven-hundred-fifty family names and became a dedicated worker at the Draper Temple. Rather than dwelling on the pain and uncertainty, she devoted herself to others.

Shawna is survived by her dear husband Robert Baird, her children Joseph (Amanda) Kocherhans, Heidi (Andrew) Clark, Tim (Annie) Kocherhans, Heather (John) Baucom, Wendi Kocherhans, Rebecca Baird, Paris (Heather) Baird, Jason Baird, Kellie (Joe) Bywater, Trichia (Nathan) Magro, Katherine Baird, and 14 grandchildren. Shawna adored her children and grandchildren.

Services will be held in the chapel at 9636 S. 1700 East, Sandy, UT 84092. A viewing will be held Thursday 6:00 to 8:00 pm, and Friday from 9:30 to 10:45 am. Funeral services will be Friday at 11:00 am with a graveside service to follow at Utah Veterans Cemetery and Memorial Park at Camp Williams.

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Huntsman Cancer Institute for Breast Cancer Research: https://goo.gl/d1vhCs