Karlie Lynne Baird

Karlie Lynne Baird (Wright) age 32, passed away unexpectedly at her home in Macon, Mich., on Saturday, September 6, 2025. She was born on May 23, 1993, in Ypsilanti, Mich., to Burton (Tom) and Julie Wright. On June 24, 2017, Karlie married Jonathan Baird, and together they have two children, Bentley and Kally. 

As a child Karlie was firecracker! Her strong-willed, energetic and competitive nature allowed her to succeed in many sports including cross country, track and basketball. Karlie was a graduate of Tecumseh High School, and she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Siena Heights University. Karlie held numerous occupations, including her job as a project manager at Amerivac Hydro Excavation and running her own bartending business, where she flourished as the life of the party.   

Karlie’s vibrant spirit touched everyone she met. She had a gift for making people feel they were her best friend, whether she had known them for years or they had only just met. Karlie cherished every moment with her kids, never worrying about the mess if it meant more laughter and love in the room. She was the friend who would drop everything to help, no matter the circumstances, and the one you trusted to watch over your children as if they were her own.   

Karlie found joy in the outdoors — from kayaking with her dad, to hitting the trails on the dirt bike or four-wheeler. She loved the water, thrived in social settings, and brought her loud and infectious energy everywhere she went. Her favorite time of year was Halloween, a season that matched her playful, spirited nature. Above all, Karlie will be remembered for her big heart, adventurous soul, and the boundless love she shared with her family and friends.  

Karlie is survived by her husband, Jon Baird; two children, Bentley and Kally; her parents, Burton (Tom) and Julie Wright; and her brother, Jacob (Holly) Wright; grandmas Joy Schmidt and Virginia Wright; nieces, Olivia and Sophia Wright; nephews, Hunter and Bo Baird; mother and fathers-in-law, James and Judy Welter and Dan Baird and brother and sister-in-law, Josh and Brittany Baird. Karlie is preceded in death by her grandpa Donald Schmidt, grandpa Burton Wright, and grandpa Patrick Holdridge. 

Karlie’s memory lives on in the many friends and family members who were touched by her energy and love. 

A Celebration of Life for Karlie was held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at the Tecumseh Chapel of Handler Funeral Homes, with Harvey Schmidt officiating. Visitation was at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family.  Online condolences may be made to the family at handlerfuneralhomes.com.