Kathryn Pugmire Baldwin
On the afternoon of Sunday April 14, while surrounded by those who loved her, mom passed peacefully in her bed, after losing a short fight with bone cancer.
She was born to Laurel Thomas and Norma Hulme Pugmire on February 27, 1943 in Montpelier Idaho. She spent her youth in the Bear Lake Valley fighting for her parents’ attention with her sister Marj (Rick) Hedstom, and brother Bob (Linda). The family moved to Salt Lake where she finished her schooling and graduated from Highland High. After attending LDS Business College she went to work for Beneficial Life. While there, a co-worker set her up on a blind date with Jerry Allen Baldwin. He was shown a photo of her from an ad in the Trib, and said, “I’m going to marry her”. He did just that in the Salt Lake Temple on July 12, 1963. They had two sons, John and Steve. Although they divorced in ‘72, their love for each other never faded. She worked in several different industries including radio, film and advertising. She retired as Controller from Alan Frank & Associates Inc in 2006.
As a young woman she modeled, entered beauty pageants and sang in the Allegro Chorus. She was crowned Miss Airborne and Miss Utah National Guard. She was also crowned Queen of the 1963 Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington DC, using singing as her talent. She thoroughly enjoyed singing and dancing. Mom had some moves! Her beautiful smile and infectious laugh couldn’t be avoided. She was magnetic, and would light up the room. Mom raised us as a single mother. Her independence was a source of pride rivaled only by the pride she felt for her family. After we left the nest, she found love again and married Christian P. Beck on October 10, 1998. Their political beliefs and affiliations (Democrat) aligned perfectly. The addition of her two grandchildren, Tyler and Cole, brought her immeasurable pride and joy.
Mom enjoyed to travel all over, but her favorite destination was always Bear Lake. The memories with family and friends at the home where she was raised were produced regularly. John’s death in 1993 was, by far, the most difficult hurdle she faced in life, and with Christian’s passing in 2006, she was left alone in the house she’d lived in the majority of her life. A neurological setback forced her to leave the home she built, occupied and loved for 55 years. However, her move to Meadow Peak in 2022 afforded her many new friendships, which she deeply cherished. Visits with friends and neighbors were always anticipated, welcomed and enjoyed.
She leaves behind her heartbroken family: son Steve (Amanda) and grandsons Tyler (Mikki) and Cole. Preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband, and son John. It took mom 79 years to find her “heart-mate”. The family can’t express enough, their appreciation and indebtedness to Kim Hansen. Your selfless acts of kindness, love and dedication to mom’s overall happiness and wellbeing can never be repaid. The time spent away from your own family, to care for, and support her, is a sacrifice unparalleled.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, April 25 from 6-8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to park on the north side of building. A viewing for close friends and family will be on Saturday, April 27 from 10:00-10:30 AM at the LDS Stake Center in Saint Charles, Idaho. She will be laid to rest following a short graveside service at the Saint Charles Cemetery at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, VOTE DEMOCRAT! (plagiarized from Chris’ obit)