Cheryl Baird Sayers

Cheryl Baird Sayers March 14, 1944 –September 24, 2025 Cheryl “Cheri” Sayers, born in Akron, Ohio on “pi day,” 1944, passed away on September 24, 2025. Cheri lived a full life marked by love, adventure, and deep devotion to her family. She was raised by her grandparents while her father, Robert Baird, was stationed in Guam and her mother, Martha Early Baird, worked with the Red Cross during WWII. She later moved every couple of years alternating between Connecticut and southern California as her father worked for McDonald Douglas. Crowned Miss Tarzana of 1952, she later eloped with the love of her life, Clinton Paul Sayers, whom she met in Boulder, Colorado on a blind date. Together they raised three children, Stacey, Steve, and Adam and delighted in eight grandchildren, all of whom adored their Nana and Papa. Cheri embraced new experiences wherever life took her as long as it was with Paul—raising children in Spain and England during Paul’s military service, camping on beaches in musty army tents, watching local bullfights, and making friends lasting her lifetime. Fort Collins ultimately became home, and she and Paul expanded their circle of friends who are all truly the best ever. A true test of trust is riding a tandem bike. Paul passed that test and together they rode a tandem with the greatest of friends throughout Europe and coast to coast across the United States. She was also a clubber– of books, hikes, bridge, tennis, pickleball, and we likely missed a few. A passionate cook, Cheri expanded her repertoire from tuna casserole, canned green beans and liver and onions to creating gourmet meals, with Japanese and Spanish cuisine among her specialties. There was always room at the table for a friend or three. Unknown to many, Cheri was an artist who found joy in drawing and painting. Cheri loved math and kept the books for Paul and even caught a mathematical error during her time with NASA. Above all, Cheri lived for her family. We will remember her boundless love, warmth, and especially her humor. We love you, mom, and hope you’re riding your tandem with Dad.

Tributes

Cheryl Baird Sayers

March 14, 1944 - September 24, 2025