Karen Baldwin 6/14/1943 - 2/24/2023

Born in Auburn, CA June 14, 1943 to Barbara Owen Mallery Toelke and Ralph Mallery. Karen never got the chance to meet her father. He was officially recorded as missing in action while on a mission, taking motion pictures, with the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1943 during WWII. She grew up in the Auburn area with her mother and her "daddy" Alvin Toelke, along with her brother Paul. Growing up, Karen spent a lot of her free time visiting her Nana and Papa at the Pilliard ranch north of Auburn, in the Lake of the Pines area. She attended Placer High School, graduating in 1961. Karen met the love of her life, Bob Baldwin, and they were married in 1962 and lived happily ever after ranching and traveling. They were inseparable until his death in 2016. Soon after getting married, they built their first house on the Pilliard ranch, then bought their own ranch in Stockett, Montana, and moved there in the winter of 1967. Later they moved back to the Pilliard ranch in 1981, and proceeded to raise Black Angus cattle until retiring. They built a beautiful house of Karen's dreams in 2001. Keeping the ranch in the family, it is now operated by their Grandson and his family. Karen was very active in her community, whether in Montana or California, she loved getting involved in clubs and organizations; Cowbelles/Cattlewomen, Lion's, Higgins Fire Auxiliary, bowling, pinochle, bunco, and more. She always gave her all in each. She especially enjoyed supporting the FFA and 4H club members through the Junior Livestock Assoc., and the Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation. She is survived by her children: Anetta Baldwin (Wayne Romans), Auburn, CA, and Becky (Lorenzo) Cloutier, Auburn, CA. Grandchildren Kashia (Jeremy) Herring, Helena, MT, Brandon (Lindsey) Yurek, Auburn, CA, Brandy Alvis, Auburn, CA, Billie Jo Alvis, Battle Mountain, NV, Great grandchildren Charlie Espinoza, Oscar Espinoza, Acelynn and Jocie Yurek. Brother Paul (Kim) Toelke and family, Fresno, CA. and many nieces and nephews and great friends. As per her wishes, no formal services will be conducted. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, June 11th. Details to follow. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the Hospice of the Foothills, Cancer Aid Thrift shop, Grass Valley, CA, Nevada County Fairgrounds Foundation, Placer-Nevada Cattle Women, or the charity of your choice.