Graveside services were held for Constance H. “Connie” Blanchard-Baird on Saturday, May 7, at the Plains Cemetery, where her cremains were committed for final rest.
Connie came into this world one minute behind her twin sister, Kay. She departed the world peacefully Nov. 26, 2015 (Thanksgiving), at her home in Polson with son Randy by her side. She was born in Missoula on May 24, 1939, to Harvey Mathis and Jean (Howey) Mathias. Her given name was Constance Harvette Mathias.
Connie was raised in Paradise along with sisters Kay and Madge (deceased) and brother Dennis Mathias. She graduated from Plains High School.
In June of 1957 she married R.W. “Bob” Blanchard. They had two sons, Ronald Ray and Randy Dale. In later years, they were divorced but remained friends. Connie moved to California. In 1995 she married Leonard Baird on the isle of Hawaii. They lived in Valley Springs, California, and Polson until his death in 2005.
Connie held many employment positions in the Missoula community including the University of Montana, White Pine Credit Union and Skaggs/Osco Drug. She was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church.
Connie liked bowling, dancing and ceramics. In later years, she developed an interest in flower gardening. She was very artistic, great with decorating and design. Wherever she lived, Connie made a beautiful home. No matter where she lived, she thought of Plains as “home.”
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and sister Madge.
She is survived by her son, Ronald and wife Leslie of Las Vegas, Nevada; son, Randy of Polson; grandchildren, Katie and Ryan Blanchard; step-grandson, Daniel Kniffin, and step-great-granddaughter, Jenysa; sister, Kay Thompkins; brother, Dennis Mathias; and many nieces and nephews.
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