Christie Heritage Baird

Christie Heritage was the only child of the late Laura and Harry Heritage of Correctionville, Iowa. Born on April Fool’s Day in 1939, she grew up in the idyllic setting of a Midwestern farming town, enjoying all the adventures such a childhood brings. According to her, detasseling corn and lifeguarding at the local pool were among the highlights of small-town life.

After graduating from high school, she ventured to Iowa City to attend the University of Iowa. Never one to shy away from an opinion, she chose journalism as her major. It was during this time of academic rigor that she met her future husband, Bill. By her account, he met the sole initial requirement—being taller than she was. Other stories suggest that the fact his fraternity had a bar in the basement may also have played a role in her decision. Regardless of the reason, the date went well, and a few years later, they married—a partnership that would last 62 years.

Christie graduated with honors from Iowa with a degree in journalism, though she never practiced professionally—aside from her long-standing role as editor-in-chief of the annual Baird family Christmas letter. Following a brief time in New Jersey, they relocated to Baton Rouge, where they spent the remainder of their lives.

Throughout her life, Christie pursued many interests and careers, excelling at all of them. She joined P.E.O. in 1960 where she served as a member and past president. But her true calling emerged when she “retired” and became a travel agent. This role perfectly combined her love of research and organization with her passion for adventure. She and Bill traveled to 42 countries and six of the seven continents—all trips lovingly researched, planned, and orchestrated by Christie.

She was endlessly proud of her children, Whitney and Bill, but her greatest joy was undoubtedly her grandchildren, Rowan and Jackson. She never missed an opportunity to be with them, support them, and cheer them on—whether it was horse shows in dusty barns, baseball games in the summer heat, or football games in the cold rain. She was always there, a constant source of love and encouragement. She showed them, through action, what unconditional love truly means.

Christie is survived by her daughter, Whitney; her son, Bill and his wife Rhonda; and her cherished grandchildren, Rowan and Jackson.

Thank you to all the Memory Lane staff at Holly Court for the excellent care they gave our Mom. Thank you to the nurses at Holly Court. A special thanks to Craig and Mel from Gentiva hospice.

Relatives and friends are invited to Rabenhorst Funeral Home on Government St. on Saturday, May 31st for a memorial visitation from 10 AM to 12 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Cat Haven or the charity of your choice in her memory.