Katherine M. Baldwin

Katherine Marie Baldwin, 80, of Hopkins, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at Mosaic Medical Center ER in Maryville. She was surrounded by her loving family. Her departure leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of all who knew her.

Katherine was born on December 29, 1943, in Maryville, Missouri, to Mark and Edna Nicola Davis. She was a lifelong resident of Hopkins.

On September 23, 1961, Katherine married her high school sweetheart, Russ, sharing 62 years of unwavering love and commitment. Born and raised with an enduring commitment to education, she earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville and retired 17 years ago after a 31-year teaching career at schools in Sheridan, MO, Pickering, MO, and primarily the Bedford Community School District in Bedford, Iowa.

Kathy dedicated her life to nurturing young minds. Her passion for teaching, especially in guiding the littlest learners in kindergarten, was unparalleled. She possessed a rare gift of patience and empathy, shaping countless young lives with her warmth and wisdom.

Family was the cornerstone of Kathy’s life. Her devotion to her children and grandchildren knew no bounds. She approached motherhood and grandmotherhood with boundless love and endless support. Nothing brought her more joy than watching her loved ones thrive, whether on the sports field or in the show ring. She cherished spending time with her children and grandchildren, attending as many of their sporting and school events as she could. Katherine loved her monthly Bonco games and was an original “Bonco Babe” with her Hopkins’ friends for the last 47 years.

As a NWMSU alumni and alongside her husband, she reveled in cheering on the Bearcats, particularly relishing their triumphs on the football field and basketball court. Their shared passion for the game was a testament to their enduring bond.

In the hearts of those who knew her, Kathy will forever remain a source of inspiration and love. Though she may have left this earthly realm, her spirit will live on in the memories she created and the love she shared. May her laughter, kindness, and unwavering love continue to guide and comfort us in the days ahead.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Donnis Davis, and her sister Mildred Keiswetter.

She is survived by her husband, Russ Baldwin. She is also survived by her children, Nicki Herndon of Hopkins, Missouri, Dana (Troy) Nally of Bedford, Iowa, and Sherra (Adam) Weldon of Maryville, Missouri; her siblings, Phil Davis of Broomfield, CO, Linda McKee of Maryville, Missouri, and Doris Young of Maryville, Missouri; her grandchildren, Bethany Herndon, Kristin Herndon, Lauren Herndon, Cooper Nally, Conner Nally, Addison Weldon, Brinslee Weldon, and Harper Weldon; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5-7:00 PM on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at the First Christian Church in Hopkins, Missouri. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Friday, May 24, 2024, also at the First Christian Church, followed by burial in the Hopkins Cemetery, Hopkins, Missouri.

Services are under the direction of Bram Funeral Home, Maryville, Missouri.

Memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church, 101 S. 5th, Hopkins, Missouri 64461.