Kathie Pete-Baird

Kathie Pete-Baird, 65, of Peshastin, Washington, passed away on May 11, 2023. It is with deep sorrow and much love that we share the passing of a wife, mom, grandma, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. She was peacefully surrounded by her family after battling 2+ years of cancer.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Roger Baird of Peshastin, WA; daughter, Stephanie Wyatt (Cecil) of Reno, NV, and their children Avory & Meadow; son, Preston Pete (Jessica) of Orcutt, CA, and their children Talon, Brooklyn & Titan; her step-dad, Ernie Templin; her step-mom, Cookie Melby; brothers Terrence Melby (Karen); Doug Melby (Gracie); step-siblings Chris Melby, Shannon Lindstrom, Tommy Melby; sister-in-law, JoAnn Baird (Danny); as well as numerous nieces and nephews and many extended family and friends. Kathie is preceded in death by her mother, Celeste (Couture) Templin and her father, James Melby.

Kathie was born in Robbinsdale, Minnesota, to Celeste Couture and James Melby. She graduated from Douglas High School in Minden, Nevada, and achieved her Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Development and Family Studies at Washington State University. “Go Cougs!” Kathie worked for UPS for many years before finding her passion working with children and families. She worked for Chelan-Douglas Child Services Association in Early Head Start programs. She was an Early Childhood Professor at Wenatchee Valley College. She retired in 2021 from the Department of Social and Health Services where she held several positions as a social worker/case manager, supervisor, and investigator. She was an advocate for children and early childhood development. She was involved with the SAGE Crisis Center. Kathie was a proud member of the Kiwanis Club of Wacoka of Cashmere, was President for two terms, and was awarded Kiwanian of the Year in 2014.

Kathie met her husband, Roger Baird, in Cashmere, Washington. They shared their lives together for more than 35 years. They built their life on Beecher Hill overlooking the beautiful orchards and valley near Blewett Pass. She was a breast cancer survivor. Kathie was a woman of many passions including hunting, fishing, camping, watching sports, being outdoors, and gardening. She spent time at their property in Montana 4-wheeling and sitting by the fire pit with friends. She loved her Captain Morgans and Pepsi. She was very proud of her children, Stephanie and Preston, and all their accomplishments. She adored her grandkids and always shared photos and stories about them. She would make sure to watch their games online and loved to FaceTime, too.

A special thank you to Dr. Hannah Linden and staff of Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance House, Dr. Drew Stewart of Central Washington Hospital, and Central Washington Home Health & Hospice for their loving care and support during her final months.

Per Kathie’s request, no services will be held.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to any child-based advocacy group on behalf of Kathie Pete-Baird. It would mean the world to her.