Obituary of Mary Ann Baird

Mary Ann Self Baird, 87, passed away peacefully in her home on November 23, 2021, with her daughter and husband by her side. She was born on October 21, 1934 in Mangum, Oklahoma to Thomas Newton Self, Jr and Grace Lyles Self. At the age of 3 she moved with her family to Vernon, TX where she lived until she graduated from high school and went to Abilene Christian University and then, later, to Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas. She met her husband, Bobby Tom Baird (Buddy), at Midwestern and they married on August 25, 1956. Mary Ann and Buddy shared 65 years together and raised one daughter. They spent the last 50 years living in Fort Worth, Texas where they attended the Ridglea West Church of Christ. Mary Ann worked for many years at the Better Business Bureau where she held the position of Vice President. Mary Ann was an extremely considerate person who often talked about and looked for ways to “make things easy” for others. She loved animals and never turned away a stray that needed a loving home and good care. In her spare time, she played the piano and enjoyed working jigsaw and crossword puzzles and was an avid reader. She especially loved the TCU Horned Frogs and attended many home football games and events with her dear friend of 50 years, Ladelle Brearley. She and Buddy never missed a televised Frogs football or basketball game. She kept up lifelong friendships with her cadre of “Vernon Girlfriends” for 84 years, communicating often by email, telephone and yearly girls' trips” when they would travel to various Texas places of interest, share hotel rooms and stay up all night long eating popcorn, laughing and catching up on life experiences. Mary Ann is survived by her husband, Buddy; and daughter, Bobbie Ann. She will return to Vernon, Texas where she will be laid to rest with her parents and amongst the community where she grew up. The family would like to express gratitude and appreciation to all of the people at Westmore Senior Living and Encompass Hospice Care who so warmly cared for her over the last few years of her life. Services: The family will hold a private memorial service in her memory. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her honor to the charity that is closest to your heart.