BAIRD – Mrs. May Baird of Stettler, AB passed away peacefully on Monday, March 16, 2008 at the age of 87 years. May was born in Big Valley, AB to Charles and Iva Bertwell. She attended Wellsburg school at Big Valley. She grew up on the family farm and loved farm life. She married John Baird, the love of her life on Jan. 1, 1945 and to this union three children were born; Betty, Bill and John. John and May decided that their family was not going to be complete without another girl so they decided to adopt a four month old little girl, Barbara. May always worked very hard to ensure that all of her children were well looked after and the small animals as well. She loved horses so much that she operated a Dude Ranch, ensuring that the city children would get a chance to enjoy a taste of country living too. Although May was kept very busy doing the farm work, looking after the animals and milking the many cows, she still found time to keep the house spotless. She took great pride in her garden and always had rows of beautiful flowers. Her grandchildren meant the world to her and they were her greatest joy along with her husband John. May was so happy when she would ask her children if they wanted a break for a week or a few days so that she could spoil their little ones. May cherished special times when her family would all get together and that was when she was the happiest. Their home was always filled with neighbors and friends who would drop in for coffee and a visit but never leave without at least having a little something to eat! She was always happy and jolly no matter how much work lay ahead of her. May loved floor curling, and even made it into the summer games, she enjoyed entering the crib tournaments in Erskine. She filled our lives with so much love and joy, we will all deeply miss her. May is survived by her children Betty Dick (Louis) of Benalto, Bill Baird (Donna) of Endiang and Barb Ramstad (Howard) of Edson; grandchildren Duane (Amanda) Delaurier, Sherry (Darcy) McQuillan, Sandra (Pat) Keith, Russell (Leila) Baird, Wendy DeGiano, Julie (Len) Bunning, Noella (Mike) Corraini, David (Dorrie) Ramstad, John (Dawn) Baird, Quinton (Amanda) Baird; twenty four great-grandchildren, brother-in-law Alf Hansen and sister-in-law Mary Ponchuk; as well as numerous other relatives and a host of wonderful friends. She is also survived by long time friend Richard Jones who was raised by John and May and spent many years with the Baird family. May was predeceased by her daughter-in-law Pat in 2002, husband John (July 2000), son John Jr. (July 1998), daughter-in-law Debbie (1992), grandson Wayne Delaurier (July 1973), parents Charles and Iva Bertwell; brothers and sisters Dora Bertwell, Roy Bertwell, George Bertwell, Charlie Bertwell, Frank Bertwell, Catherine Hansen, Maude Reeves, Jim Bertwell and Louise Bertwell; brothers-in-law Bill Reeves and sister-in-law Margaret Bertwell. A funeral service was held at the Byemoor Community Hall on Friday, March 20, 2009 at 1 p.m. with Pastor Ross Helgeton officiating. A tribute was read by Mr. Halley Gridley. The congregational hymns were “ In The Garden” and “Amazing Grace” with Mrs. Kim Wasdal accompanying on the piano. A duet was sang by Mrs. Shelly DeMaere and Mrs. Kim Wasdal “Beyond The Sunset”. The active pallbearers were Mark Jones, Myles Jones, Doug Reeves, Randy Gridley, Marty Gridley and Doug Carmichael. Honorary pallbearers were “Everyone Who Has Shared In May¹s Life”. Following the service interment took place in the Byemoor Cemetery. Family and friends then gathered at the Community Hall for the reception and fellowship which was graciously served by the Byemoor Community Club. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation in care of Brennen Funeral Home (2001) Ltd., P.O. Box 193, Stettler, Alberta TOC 2L0 who were entrusted with the care and arrangements. Condolences may be e-mailed to brennenf@telusplanet.net. 403-742-3315