Elmira (Myra) Ellen Evans Baiotto

Myra was born November 25, 1926, in Sedalia, Mo; daughter of Elmer and Hazel Marie (Thompson) Evans, who preceded her in death. She married William M. Baiotto (deceased 2008), May 22nd, 1948, in St. Louis, Mo. She was preceded in death by her son Kevin D. Baiotto, July 28, 2015; sisters Sophie Snead, Dorothy Lee, Carol Green and a brother William Evans.

She is survived by sister Patricia Mitchell; sons Barry and wife Dixie (Daniels) Baiotto; and Steven and wife Donna (Walther) Baiotto; daughter-in-law Carol (Casper) Baiotto (Kevin); grandchildren Matthew Baiotto, Nicole (Baiotto) Pace (Kyle), Anne-Elise Baiotto, Michael and Kate (Clemons) Baiotto, Tracy (Baiotto) Flinch (Hans), Bert and Stephanie (Plamondon) Baiotto, Andrea (Baiotto) Dorris (Jeremy), Leah (Baiotto) Bell (Jared) and Kimberly Wynn.

She was loved by 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Grandchildren: Matthew Baiotto, Nicole Pace, Anne-Elise Baiotto, Michael Baiotto, Tracy Baiotto, Bert Baiotto, Andrea Dorris, Leah Bell.

Great Grandchildren:

Emily Pace, Eli Pace, Hans Otto Flinch, Estelle “Stella” Flinch, William Baiotto, Giana Baiotto, Jurnie Dorris, Peyton Dorris, Wade Bell and Addilynn Bell.

Myra was 1944 graduate of Ritenour High School, Overland, MO.; Washington University School of Nursing in the Army Nurse Cadet Corp, St. Louis, MO., 1947 and Truman State University, 1963 and 1966. She moved to Kirksville, MO in 1948.

Myra was a lifelong educator and a devoted Registered Nurse who spent her career caring for patients and teaching future nurses. Her dedication touched many lives. Her legacy continues through the students she taught and the care she inspired.

Myra began her professional career as a Head Nurse at Barnes Hospital, St. Louis, MO. On moving to Kirksville, she worked as the Instructor for Nurses Aids at Grim-Smith Hospital. In 1959-60 she assisted with the initial development of the Nursing Education Program at Truman State, teaching there until 1971. She served as Director of Nursing at Laughlin Hospital for 8 years; then coordinator of the Practical Nursing Program at Kirksville Area Vocational Center until retiring in 1989. Memberships in professional organizations include The American Nurses Association, Missouri Nurses association, District Six Nurses Association, National League for Nursing, Kirksville Teacher’s Association, Missouri Vocational Association and the Missouri Nurses Association and she was the first woman to serve on the Board of Regents of Truman State University. 

Beyond her professional calling, Myra was deeply committed to her community. She served in numerous organizations, including the Jaycee Wives and the Adair County Health Department, where her leadership, insight, and steady presence made a lasting impact. Other organizations which she served included Adair County Red Cross Board of Directors, Cub Scout Leader, and Jaycee Wives, serving as the first President of the State Jaycee Wives.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church and served in so many ways her family can’t think of any church job she hasn’t done, teaching, serving roles and various committees.

Memorials can be sent to: First Baptist Church or Truman State University Development Fund (Nursing Department)

Interment: Park View Memorial Gardens, Inc. Section: “Garden of the Cross” Hwy. 6 E. Kirksville 2100