Robert “Bob” Herrera Baiz

Robert “Bob” Herrera Baiz, 86, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Dignity Health Mercy Medical Center in Merced, California.

He was born on January 20, 1940, in Merced Falls, California, to Abad and Guadalupe Baiz, and spent all his life in Winton, California. He developed a passion for farming at a young age. As a child, he would often create miniature farms, plant leaves, and make furrows in the soil with a stick, mirroring his father’s work on their land.

Throughout his life, Robert remained closely tied to agriculture while holding a longtime position at Roger’s Foods, where he processed garlic and onions. Although he had a full-time job, he continued to farm in his spare time. He cultivated peach trees, sweet potatoes, corn, and a small tomato garden. He was also particularly fond of animals, caring for and raising countless pigs, cows, chickens, dogs, and cats.

Robert’s love for animals was rivaled only by his love for his family and football, with the San Francisco 49ers being his favorite team for many years. He cherished his time with his loved ones and always supported his team through victories and defeats.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Guadalupe and Abad Herrera Baiz; his wife, Winona Elizabeth Baiz; his sisters, Ophelia Baiz, Olivia Chavez, Mary Starling, Margaret Flores, Helen Petterson, and Teresa Niccolls; his brothers, Savino “Buck” Baiz, Henry Baiz, and Manuel Baiz; and his grandson, Duane “DJ” Ledford Jr.

Robert is survived by his two sons, Brian Lee Salado (Margie) and Johnny “John” Ray Baiz; his daughter, Gillian Yevette Spivey (Lee); his grandsons, Brian Jr. (Katie), Eric (Jennifer), Timothy, and Brian M.; his granddaughters, Aurora and Erica (Daniel); his eighteen great-grandchildren; his nine great-great-grandchildren; his sister, Lupe Mendonca; and Barbara Salado, mother of their two sons, Brian and John. He also leaves behind many cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends.

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