Joyce Worthy Wellsandt Baird, 81, Dickinson, ND, died Saturday, January 5, 2008 at the St. Luke’s Home, Dickinson. Joyce’s funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Wednesday, January 9, 2008 at St. John Evan. Lutheran Church, Dickinson with Rev. Steven Tangen officiating. Interment will follow at the Dickinson Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday and from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Wednesday at Ladbury Funeral Service, Dickinson. Visitation will continue one hour prior to services at the church.
Joyce was born December 21, 1926 to Margaret J. and John C. Wellsandt, DeSart, ND. She attended high school in New England, ND and graduated from Dickinson High School. She received her Bachelor’s degree in Home Economics from the University of North Dakota where she was a member of Delta Gamma Sorority.
She married Robert B. Baird on September 1, 1949 and they made their home in Dickinson for the next 25 years. She later moved to Fargo, ND where she owned and operated her business, Contessa J. Joyce was a past member of Chapter B, PEO, Dorcas Society and Eastern Star.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her former husband Robert B. Baird, her brothers-in-law, LaRoy Baird, Jr. and John O’Laughlin, her sisters-in-law Harriet O’Laughlin and Elaine Wellsandt and her son-in-law, David F. Senn.
Joyce is survived by her brother, Carl (Marilyn) Wellsandt, Roseville, CA; her four children, Robin B. Carlson, Kenmare, ND, Roberta B. (Dean Kostelecky) Senn, Dickinson, Robert B. Baird II, Oconomowoc, WI, and Roiann M. (Christopher Dill) Baird, Greeley, CO. She is also survived by six grandchildren, one great-granddaughter, her sister-in-law, Audrey L. Baird, Dickinson, and several nieces and nephews.
During her lifetime, Joyce was known for her beauty, sense of style, wit, kindness and compassion towards those in need and also her great love for her cats and other animals. She will be missed dearly by her family and friends.
