Dorothy 'Dot' Baldwin
Dorothy “Dot” Mavis Bell Baldwin, 88, passed away at the Immanuel Lutheran Home on Dec. 16, 2008.
She was born Aug. 7, 1920, in Geraldine, to Harvey and Dorothy Bell. Dorothy graduated high school in Geraldine, prior to moving to the Flathead Valley. This is where she met her eternal soul mate, Jerry Baldwin.
They were married in 1940, in Polson, and lived in Mullan, Idaho, later returning to Martin City.
While in Martin City, Dorothy was involved with establishing the Martin City Community Church, and was a member of the PTA, the local square dance as an instructor as well as a dancer, and the P & F Club in the Cayuse Prairie School District.
In 1958 Dorothy and the family moved to the Lake Blaine area, to what is called the family home. She resided there after Jerry’s death in 2000, until January, 2008, at which time she moved to the Immanuel Lutheran Home.
During their retirement years, Dorothy loved traveling extensively, enjoying the Southwest, particularly Arizona, where they finally settled in the Yuma area for the winters. She loved to dance, play card games, enjoyed the outdoors for any activity, be it tending her begonias, camping, family reunions or antelope and deer hunting.
She also loved to reminisce about her “hard-scrabble” childhood in Geraldine and Missouri breaks area. One of her greatest passions was developed early in her childhood, enjoying the companionship of any book available.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, four brothers, two sisters, two half-brothers and on half-sister.
She is survived by her daughters Faith Howard and Bob of Martin City, Dianne Murer and Ted of Kalispell, son Gary Baldwin and Florence of Mead, Wash.; seven grandchildren, Travis Murer, Janeille Stephens, Darcy Fleming and Patrick, Brett Howard and Mandy, Roger Baldwin, Jeremie Baldwin and Katie, and Christopher Baldwin; 10 great-grandchildren, Brandon and Tyler Murer, Bryan and Kalyb Sparks, Hunter Fleming, Malyssa, Bethany and Marcus Howard, and Madison and Isabelle Baldwin. She is also survived by her sister Elnora Dye; brother Richard Bell; sisters-in-law Virginia Bell, Thelma Bell, Gladys Danielson and Edna Johnson; brothers-in-law and their wives, Merle and Jeannie Baldwin, Bert and Inez Baldwin; and many nieces and nephews.
She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and aunt, and will be deeply missed and remembered forever.
Funeral services were held Monday, Dec. 22 at the Buffalo Hill Funeral Home with interment following at Fairview Cemetery.
The family wishes to extend special thanks to the nurses and staff of the Immanuel Lutheran Home and Hospice for the tender care, love and kindness they gave Dorothy.
It is suggested in lieu of flowers a donation may be made to the donor’s choice of charities.
Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is taking care of the families needs and service arrangements. To send condolences please go to www.buffalohillfh.com.