Kristen Maria Baird

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kristen Maria (Yehle) Baird, who departed this life on July 7, 2025, at the age of 45, following a courageous journey with cancer at her home in Liberty, Missouri.

Kristen was born on November 9, 1979, to Mark and Phyllis Yehle in Marceline, Missouri. From a young age, she brought warmth, creativity, and compassion to those around her—qualities that only deepened throughout her life. Kristen graduated from Northwest Missouri University in 2001 and was proud to be a Bearcat.

After college, Kristen made her home in Columbia, Missouri with her beloved dog, Betty. On January 18, 2014, Kristen married the love of her life, Charles Michael Baird. Together, they built a life filled with laughter and love, anchored by their son, Noah Stockton Baird, who was Kristen’s greatest joy and proudest legacy.

Kristen dedicated her working life to serving individuals with developmental disabilities. First working at Rainbow Center for Communicative Disorders, a day school program providing a positive, safe, gentle learning environment, so children with developmental disabilities can develop self-esteem and improve their academic and coping skills when faced with daily challenges. Then working at the Center for Developmentally Disabled, a not-for-profit corporation providing residential care services and day habilitation to adults with developmental disabilities in the greater Kansas City, MO area.

Kristen had a vibrant and creative spirit that she shared generously with others. She was a gifted artist with an eye for beauty and design. She also had a special talent for baking—her kitchen was filled with the aroma of homemade cakes, cookies, and pastries made with love for family and friends. Whether through a hand-painted canvas, a beautifully decorated cake, or a large platter of Christmas cookies, Kristen's artistry brought light into the lives of those around her. Additionally, there was absolutely no one better at finding the hidden gems in a large department store sales rack.

Kristen will be deeply missed by her husband, Mike Baird and son, Noah; her parents, Mark and Phyllis Yehle; her sister, Sarah Yehle Fulkerson, her husband Brett, along with their children Jack and Audrey; and her brother, Ted Yehle, his wife Stacy, and their children Natalie and Alex. She was also survived by loving in-laws and a host of long-time friends, including her dear friend, Lisa Martinez. She was a beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend—always generous with her time and talents, quick to listen, and eager to lift the spirits of those around her.

Kristen’s kindness, resilience, and unwavering love for her family and community will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know her.

A celebration of Kristen’s life will be held on July 24, 2025 at Park Lawn Funeral Home – Northland Chapel (1640 N. State Route 291, Liberty, MO 64068) from 12:00—2:00. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Kristen’s memory to the Center for Developmentally Disabled by going to https://cddkc.org/donate/.

Kristen was deeply loved, and she will be profoundly missed