Ruth Ann Baldwin

7/12/1958 - 2/9/2025

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Obituary For Ruth Ann Baldwin

Ruth Ann Baldwin | 12 July, 1958 - 9 Feb, 2025

Ruth Ann Baldwin passed away peacefully at home Sunday, 9 February, 2025, after a three year struggle with pancreatic cancer. Ruth Ann was an 8th Grade Science teacher at North Kirkwood Middle School for 30 years and retired in 2020 to care for her parents. Ruth Ann was the 2007-2008 Kirkwood School District Teacher of the Year and achieved a National Board Certification.

Ruth Ann was an outstanding teacher, loved by her students for her high performance expectations, whimsical teaching style, passion for earth science, and tie-dyed, low-top Chuck Taylor sneakers. She was also an integral part of the Kirkwood Boys Cross Country team, serving as a volunteer assistant coach affectionately known as “Coach Mom.” She will be grieved by many current and former cross country athletes.

Ruth Ann was a loving mother, attentive listener and conversationalist, wonderful writer, avid reader, thoughtful giver, traveler, environmentalist, home and community gardener, and she cherished spending time with family, friends, and strangers alike.

Ruth Ann is survived by her soulmate and loving husband of 29 years, Wayne E. Baldwin Jr.; a daughter, Addie Schnurbusch (Chris Poole); a son, Sam Schnurbusch (Courtney Hague); a son, Wayne Baldwin (Jane Denny); two grandchildren, Sadie Baldwin and Zelda Schnurbusch; one brother, John Patty; and two sisters, Dee Twillman and Mary Felchlin.

A public celebration of life will be held Saturday, 22 February, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Kirkwood High School - Keating Performing Arts Center located at 801 West Essex Ave., Kirkwood, MO.

Please send donations or contributions in Ruth Ann’s name to Noble Neighbor (thenobleneighbor.org), Seed St. Louis (seedstl.org), Earthdance (earthdancefarms.org), Kirkwood School District Foundation (kirkwoodfoundation.org) or plant a tree in her memory.

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Tributes

  • 5 TREES

    Nick Eberhardt planted 5 trees in memory of Ruth Ann Baldwin . - 02/21/2025

  • 5 TREES

    Anne Schweitzer planted 5 trees in memory of Ruth Ann Baldwin . - 02/16/2025

  • 5 TREES

    Joseph Snyder planted 5 trees in memory of Ruth Ann Baldwin . - 02/16/2025

Condolences

  • 02/23/2025

    Betsy and Mick Johnson

    Thank you Ruth Ann. Thank you Wayne. Your loving care of Alex since his middle school years has made a difference in all our lives.

  • 02/21/2025

    Diane Beffa

    Sending our love and hugs to Ruthann's family. We went to high school together and later our daughters became friends. Thinking of Addie and sharing a hug for your loss. Love, Diane Beffa.

  • 02/18/2025

    Rachel Levi

    On behalf of EarthDance Organic Farm School, we give our deep thanks for the blessings Ruth Ann bestowed on all the lives she touched. EarthDance is honored to be part of Ruth Ann's legacy of care for the Earth. We send our wishes for healing and sympathy to the Baldwin family.

  • 02/18/2025

    Olivia Berry

    Ms. Baldwin was my 8th grade science teacher at NKMS in 2013-2014. I was never particularly interested in science, but she made it super engaging. I was not optimistic about earth science, but she was a good teacher and the class was surprisingly (to me, at the time) enjoyable. She had a tectonic plate t-shirt that had the continents on it and it said "we are never ever getting back together" (a Taylor Swift reference), and she let me wear it one day at school. When I was experiencing mental health issues and missed about two weeks of school, she gifted me a Dr. Who mug when I returned - she remembered my interests and made sure I knew that I was missed and cared for. In college, 6 years later, I emailed her because some of the content in one of my courses reminded me of her class, and we exchanged a few emails - well after she finished teaching me. Ms. Baldwin was a great teacher but more than that, she made a difference in the lives of her students. She will be very missed.

  • 02/16/2025

    Zoe P

    My favorite teacher I had at NKMS! She cared about each and every student. When I went to high school she became coach mom for cross country. I'll never forget the nature trips she made so fun on the weekends. May she rest in peace and sending love to the Baldwin family❤️

  • 02/16/2025

    Susan Miklovic

    "Coach Mom" was such a kind, sweet, caring person. I enjoyed visiting with her at Cross Country meets. She will be missed by many. My sympathies to Wayne & family. You will all be in my prayers.

  • 02/14/2025

    JOSEPH MIKLOVIC

    In Loving Memory of Ruth Ann Baldwin The stars shine brighter in the sky, For one so dear has soared on high. A heart so warm, a guiding light, Now rests beyond the veil of night. She walked with wisdom, love, and grace, With laughter bright, she filled each space. Her lessons echoed, bold and true, In every child whose dreams she grew. Her voice still lingers in the air, Among the halls, the classroom chair. Tie-dyed sneakers, steady pace, A teacher's love time won't erase. Through winding trails and courses run, She cheered them on—"Push through, my son." A coach, a mother, a friend to all, A spirit strong, yet soft to call. Her hands once tilled the earth with care, With gentle love beyond compare. She saw the world with eyes so wide, And met each soul with joy and pride. Though sorrow weighs upon the chest, Her legacy is love expressed. In every garden, every page, Her story lives beyond this stage. So let us smile through bitter tears, And honor all her wondrous years. For love like hers will never fade, But bloom again in light and shade. Rest now, dear Ruth, in peace above, Held forever in our love.

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