Bernie Baldwin

Bernie Marie Baldwin, age 98, passed away Sunday, June 18, 2023, in Granbury, TX. She was born April 24, 1925 in Lorenzo, TX to Charles Rodney and Willie Nell Richards Baldwin. Raised in Artesia, NM, Bernie graduated from Artesia High School and then Baylor University in Waco, TX, where following her "Baylor Bears" sports teams was a lifelong source of pleasure.

Intelligent, spunky and fiercely independent, Bernie briefly taught high school PE in Sweeney, TX before returning to Artesia, working as a secretary for Yates Oil Company, and then moving to the place she would later embrace as "home": Santa Fe, NM.

Santa Fe was where she planted her roots, working first as an executive assistant to legendary New Mexico Governor Bruce King beginning in 1971. Over the next 40 years, Bernie embraced the community and its Southwest culture. Her collection of Indian pottery and Kachina dolls was a particular passion.

So, too, was bowling. Bernie served in both state and national bowling organizations, including serving as president of the New Mexico Women's Bowling Association. She was inducted into the NMWBA Hall of Fame in 1987. It was through bowling that she met Walter Fay Averitt, serving not only as her personal assistant but lifelong friend as they traveled between Santa Fe and Colorado and cruised throughout the world.

Bernie was devoted to her family, particularly the niece and nephews she referred to as her three "kids": Judy, Rick and Russ. Survivors include brother Charles N. Baldwin, 101 years old of Granbury, TX; Judy Brooks and husband Michael of Granbury; Rick Baldwin and wife Bobbie of Kenai, AK; J.R. "Russ" Baldwin of Anchorage, AK; and her many great and great-great nieces and nephews, who held a special place in their hearts for Aunt Bernie.