Melissa Lynn McLaren

Melissa Lynn Baird McLaren, daughter of David and Nona Baird, passed away early Monday morning on March 30, 2026, at the age of 48 due to complications from diabetes. She was born on June 20, 1977, in New Lenox, Illinois. Melissa attended Lincoln Way Central High School and was of Christian faith.

In her childhood, Melissa was adventurous and brave. She spent hours outdoors with the neighborhood children at the river and playing outside. She was in a local production of The Wizard of Oz, where she shined, and afterwards she dreamed of being an actress. Her family is endlessly proud of her and admired her free spirit. In her teen years she spent much of her time with friends. Especially Richard Scoffield, Joann, Terry and Jennifer, with whom she often shared fond memories of their adventures.

Melissa shared a love of car racing with her father, David. David worked for Caterpillar when Melissa was young when they were a Nascar sponsor and she was able to meet their driver, Ward Burton. Melissa was a bartender at Watson’s in Elmwood, Illinois. Here she was thrilled to have met David Allen Coe and gotten his autograph.

Watson’s was also where she met her future husband, Jim. They married in 2004 and had two sons, Lane and James. In 2008 the four of them moved to North Fork, California, later settling in Auberry in 2010. It was here that she lived and raised her boys. Melissa became a cosmetologist in 2014 and soon after opened her first salon, Six Mile Style, on Tollhouse Road. Melissa worked for Cressman’s General Store for 16 years, and it was at Cressman’s where she was known for meeting everyone with warmth, kindness and humor. She was well loved by so many locals and travelers.

Melissa was a total badass. She was gorgeous, kind, hilarious and had the best laugh. She wouldn’t set foot out of the house without her hair and makeup being done. She was caring, giving, fun, bright, and joyful. Melissa loved nature and was happiest by the water in the fresh air and sunshine. She was outspoken, determined, resilient and notoriously stubborn. As tiny as she was, her presence was a great one...Melissa was one of the great ones. She was a true-blue friend and will be missed by so many.

Melissa’s greatest joys and loves were her sons, Lane and James. Her love for them will remain her legacy.

Melissa is survived by her two sons, Lane McLaren, 23, and James McLaren, 21. She is also survived by her father David Baird, sisters Michelle Baird and Carey Jones, partner Michael Espe, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Church services will be held on Friday May 1, 2026, at 1pm at The Church of Shaver Lake, located at 41340 Tollhouse Road, Shaver Lake, California. Her Celebration of Life will immediately follow at the Shaver Lake Community Center. Parking will be limited so please make plans to ride share.