JUNCTION CITY – Karen Edith (Rusco) Baldwin, 76, passed away on Jan. 26, 2016, at Geary Community Hospital in Junction City.

Born Jan. 18, 1940, in Great Bend, she was the daughter of Alfred Benson and Edith Sophie (Lebbin) Rusco. She attended District 14 Country Grade School in Great Bend, and in 1957 graduated from Great Bend High School. On March 28, 1959, she married Howard L. Baldwin. She resided in Great Bend until moving to Junction City in 1968. She was employed by Dillons, KVGB Radio, Brock McPherson Law Office, all in Great Bend, and United Telephone-Sprint, and in home child care in Junction City. Karen’s career culminated with 20+ years with the Army as a Civil Servant at Fort Riley. In retirement Karen and her husband Howard developed Americana Woodcrafts and Art which catered to clients worldwide.
Mrs. Baldwin was a member of Geary County E.H.U., Faith Lutheran Church, Immanuel Lutheran Church Circle, Quittin’ Time Band all of Junction City. Karen was best known for her musical talent and played the harmonica at various events throughout the area.
Survivors include her long-time friend Hubert Kirkpatrick; one son, Terry (Lorie) Baldwin, of Salina; two daughters, Brenda Baldwin, of Junction City, and Lana (Katja) Baldwin, of Virginia; five grandchildren, Megan Baldwin, Tara (Ryan) Booth, Shauna (Logan) Henry, Kevin (Najoua) O’Dowd, and Claire Wadsworth; three great-grandchildren, Evie Henry, Silas Booth, and Ryan O’Dowd; and one sister, Renee (Bill) Pike of rural Great Bend. She was preceded in death by her husband Howard; her daughter Kimberly Ann Baldwin; one sister Marvella Radenberg; and one brother, Wayne Rusco.
Funeral services were held on January 30, at Faith Lutheran Church in Junction City. Memorials may be given to Faith Lutheran Church, Junction City, or Christian Challenge Collegiate Ministry, Salina in care of Londeen Funeral Chapel, Box 429, Chapman, KS. 67431.

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Feb. 4, 2016*