LaVerne Baird Bustle

While our hearts are filled with deep sorrow that we will no longer have the physical presence of our beloved mother, we are joyful that she rests in the loving arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ. Helen LaVerne Baird-Bustle,101, of Normal IL passed away peacefully on Sept. 15th, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. A Celebration of Life Mass will be held on Friday, Sept 22nd at 11am at Epiphany Catholic Church in Normal, preceded by a 10am visitation hour.

LaVerne was born to Adolph and Martha Weicht on Aug 31st, 1922. She grew up in St Louis, Missouri along with her 3 brothers and 5 sisters. She married Wayne Baird Sr on Nov 26th, 1942 in Pittsburg Kansas. She is survived by their 7 children, Mary (Joe) Van Valey, Carol (Jim) Emmett-Smiley, Lynda (Tim) Arnold, Wayne (Jenine Morehouse) Baird, Susan (Parke) Weiss-Weatherford, Cindy (Mark) Segobiano, Beth (Don) Minikel and daughter-in-law Elizabeth Baird. She was blessed with 20 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, and 11 great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, 8 siblings, son in law John T Emmett Jr., grandson John T Emmett III, and great grandson Bodie Bauer.

Our beautiful matriarch was a loving mother, cherished grandmother, mentor, protector, prayer warrior & treasured friend to many. Her warm and caring nature touched the lives of everyone she met. She thrived on being surrounded by family, whether it be playing games, attending activities, or celebrating holidays together. Her presence will long be remembered and her love felt every day.

LaVerne was a member of Epiphany Catholic Church. She loved her Lord, her Catholic faith & the St Louis Cardinals. She was a stay at home mom until her children were raised. She then worked at Williams Bakery/Towne Hall & IAA before retiring from Osco Drug Store and Bergner's Department Store. LaVerne was a lifelong member of OSF St Joseph Women's Auxiliary, and the Women's VFW Post 454. She volunteered in many capacities, including OSF St Joseph Medical Center and RSVP.

In lieu of flowers the family kindly requests memorial donations be made to Epiphany Catholic Church, Faith in Action, or a charity of the donor's choice.

On her behalf, our family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Evergreen Village staff, especially Brenda, Nancy & Tanya, along with McLean County Nursing Home & her OSF Hospice team.

To express condolences online visit www.carmodyflynn.com.