Gari Baltz, a proud Vietnam War veteran, devoted mother, and retired federal nurse, passed away April 11th, 2025. She was born November 3, 1951. Gari served as a nurse during the Vietnam War and continued her lifelong commitment to care in her career at the Bureau of Prisons. Her stories were legendary.

She was an adventurous spirit; a single mom who somehow made magic happen on little sleep. Even after long nights at work, she'd take her daughters, Kasi Underhill and Kori Johnson, on day trips to places like Silver Dollar City—napping on a bench while they explored. She also loved her grandchildren with all her heart. When money was tight, she made things fun anyway—turning a tarp and a garden hose into a homemade slip-and-slide (a little rough on the skin, but full of laughter). She always found a way to make life feel playful.

Gari proudly called herself a hippie and embraced her eccentric side. She loved all animals, especially dogs, and firmly believed that a society should be judged by how it treats its most vulnerable. A staunch Democrat and believer in God, she cared fiercely about justice, community, and family.

She had a quiet strength and a fierce compassion. If someone was determined to dig themselves a hole, she'd let them—but she'd be waiting nearby with a ladder when they were ready to climb out. She believed in second chances, resilience, and helping people find their way back to themselves.

Gari had a rich inner world and a boundless sense of joy. She brought wild imagination and enthusiasm to her life—especially at Christmas. She loved the holiday season with a passion, going gloriously overboard every year in a whirlwind of wrapping paper and twinkle lights.

She also nurtured creativity in everyone around her. Her home was always stocked with construction paper, craft supplies, and glue—ready for any spark of inspiration.

Gari was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Orland Baltz; her parents, Joanne and Garrett Haines; and many cherished pets. She was deeply loved and will be deeply missed.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO.