Marilyn Ann Baird

Marilyn Ann Baird, age 80 of Anamosa, passed away in her home Sunday afternoon October 5, 2025. Funeral services will be held Friday October 10 at 4:00 PM at Chapman Funeral Home in Clarence with Pastor Janet Shotwell officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Clarence Cemetery.

Marilyn was born February 26, 1945 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Orlo and Minnie (Eggert) Baltisberger.

Survivors include her daughters Abby Trusty of Anamosa, Holly (Scott) Niernberger of Anamosa, and Heidi (Jeff) Kaufman of Coralville; grandchildren Samantha and Levi Trusty, Nathan, Kala, and Kole Dietiker, Kay Kula, Hailey Olinger, Jarod Kaufman, Mitch and Myles Ruprecht, and Riley (Brandon) Hackman; great grandchildren Hudson Trusty, Reese, Emma, and Nolan Kula, Callie Olinger, Olivia, Gavin, Aubrey, and Vivian Ruprecht; brothers Jim (Patricia) of Burlington and Ronald (Patricia) of Cambridge, IL; sisters Wendy Baltisberger of Cedar Rapids and Susan (Tim) Blood of St. Joseph, MI.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son Monte Ruprecht and his wife Shelly; and 3 husbands: Gar Ruprecht, Jerry Baird, and Mark (Grizz) Kruckenberg.

Marilyn will be remembered for her gentle heart, quiet strength, and deep love for all living creatures. She had a special bond with her many beloved animals — Bootsy, Peanut, Duke, Snow, Georgie, Snickers, Shadow, Ruby, Franky, and Bobo — each one bringing her joy and companionship throughout her life. She also loved watching birds, able to identify them by sight or sound, a gift that reflected her patience and attentiveness to the world around her.

Marilyn worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) for many years, caring for others with kindness and compassion in various nursing homes before later dedicating herself to home health care. In her free time, Marilyn enjoyed bowling, playing pool, watching crime shows, reading, and keeping up with the latest stories in the National Enquirer. She also had a well-known sweet tooth and rarely turned down a treat, often leaving none for others. Though she was a private person and a homebody at heart, those close to her knew her as loyal and caring.