Sheryl D. Baird

With hearts full of love and sorrow, we share the passing of our beloved mother, Sheryl D. Baird, lovingly known as Nana, who left us on May 20, 2026, at the age of seventy-six.

Sheryl was born on October 2, 1949, in Riggins, Idaho, to Leslie Page Duncan and Cleo Elva Smith (Duncan). She loved the outdoors from an early age and found peace in the mountains and the beauty of nature. As the second of six children, she naturally looked after those around her. No matter how much time passed or how far apart life took them, she loved her siblings deeply and made sure they knew it every day. In the summer of 1969, our Triumph-driving, music-blasting blonde bombshell met the love of her life, Neldon Baird. They married in June of 1970 and built a wonderful life together, welcoming their daughters, Shanen in 1970, Shayla in 1972, and Shelby in 1976.

Sheryl worked for over 50 years as an insurance agent, but the truest work of her life was loving and caring for her family. She was our biggest cheerleader, our safest place, and the steady heart of our family. She taught us by example how to meet life with grace, patience, and perseverance. She was a devoted crafter, a talented baker, a creative soul, and the kind of holiday decorator and hostess who made every gathering feel special. She loved gardening, shopping, reading, watching the birds, and spending time with her grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She made everyone feel welcome, and she had a special gift for turning everyday moments into cherished memories. Her joy, wisdom, laughter, and love will stay with us always.

Sheryl is lovingly remembered by her children, Shanen (Glenn) Unser of Idaho Falls, Shayla Baird of Rigby, and Shelby Hanning and her partner, Bryce Stallings, of Labelle; her grandchildren, Colton (Devarae) Hanning and Wyn (Kira) Gosselin-Baird, both of Idaho Falls; her great-grandchildren, Zaylee R. Hanning and Zophia A. Hanning; her siblings, Shauna (Roy) Rippetoe of Rigby and David (Sandi) Duncan of Pocatello; and many extended family members and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Neldon A. Baird; her father, Leslie P. Duncan; her mother, Cleo E. Smith; her brothers, Dukey Duncan and Kevin Duncan; her sister, Kathee Scott; and her grandson, Colt Unser.

A service celebrating her beautiful life and lasting legacy will be held Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at the Milo Church 12127 North 75th East, Idaho Falls, ID with a viewing prior to the service from 9:00-10:45 a.m. We invite family and friends to gather from 6:00- 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at Eckersell Funeral Home, 101 West Main Street, Rigby, Idaho 83442, to honor and remember Sheryl. Interment will be in the Milo Cemetery followed by a luncheon reception at the Milo church.