Carla Jean Pluff

Carla Jean Pluff, nee Baird, passed away on February 20, 2024 at the age of eighty-nine. She was born on October 23, 1934 in East St. Louis, IL. On September 24, 1955 she married Virgil (Smokey) Pluff at Holy Angels Catholic Church. Together they raised two sons, Mark and Scott. 

    Carla graduated from St. Teresa Academy in 1952. She was a professional dancer and dance instructor, appearing in the Dance Chorus for the 1951 and 1953 seasons of the Muny Theater in St. Louis. In 1964 she founded the Cahokia Village Library where she served as head librarian for eleven years. During that time, she designed the municipal flag and motto for the Village of Cahokia. She was an active volunteer at the Jarrot Mansion, Cahokia Courthouse, and Holy Family Log Church. In 1980 she graduated from Saint Louis University with a B.Bus in accounting. She owned a solo accounting practice for many years and served as an Enrolled Agent, Accredited Tax Advisor, and carried a Treasury Card. She was an active member of the National Society of Public Accountants and Independent Accountants Association of Illinois. 

    Carla pursued interests in French Colonial and Native American history, authoring a book and several articles on these subjects. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend to many. She was preceded in death by her parents Walter G. and Bernadine (Bid) J. (Duke) Baird, brother Donald R. (Elsie) Baird. She is survived by her sons Mark (Julia) and Scott (Kristina), grandchildren Sarah, Andrew, Kaitlyn, Lauren, Madelyn, and several nieces and nephews. 

As an expression of sympathy the family prefers memorial contributions to: 

SS Peter & Paul Church

or Kaskaskia Cahokia Trail Coalition

Visitation:

    10 AM until time of service Friday, February 23, 2024 at SS Peter & Paul Church

Funeral Mass:

    11 AM Friday, February 23, 2024 at SS Peter & Paul Church in Waterloo, IL

        Father John Igwe C. M. officiating

    Interment at Valhalla Cemetery in Belleville, IL