Wilma Lucille Baldwin

Wilma was the second child of Henry and Lucille Odle Smith. She was born and raised in Needles, CA, often stating "Needles was a wonderful place to grow up."

The family moved to Riverside, CA in 1957, and Wilma graduated from Ramona High School in 1959. Wilma completed courses at Skadron Business College in 1960. In February 1960, she married the love of her life, Wayne Eugene Baldwin.

Wayne and Wilma raised their two children, Candace and Donald in Needles. While raising her children, Wilma was active in various organizations. President LAUTU, Girl Scout Leader, Cub Scout Den Mother, Sunday School Teacher, as well as room mother for two classes for five years, and PTA carnival organizer.

In 1974, Wilma went to work for Lackey Concrete as Office Manager. WIth the closure of the business in 1987, Wilma went to work in Laughlin, NV. In 2005, she retired from Harrah's Hotel & Casino as Collections Supervisor.

To keep herself busy after the loss of the love of her life, Wayne, she became active in civic responsibilities, working at the Museum on the Board of Directors, Woman's Club Board of Directors (President and Treasurer), Financial Secretary for Needles United Methodist Church, and Chairperson for the Cemetery Advisory Commission of the City of Needles for eight years. Wilma also worked with the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters as a Poll Worker on primary and general elections. In 2010, she was named Citizen of the Year in Needles.

She loved to make quilts for her family and friends, loved photography, loved to garden, even establishing her own park.

Wilma was preceded in death by her husband, Wayne Eugene Baldwin, her parents, Henry and Lucille Smith, sister, Elma Smith, brothers, Franzle, Laurenzon, and Milton Smith.

Wilma is survived by her daughter, Candace Baldwin Grant, son-in-law, Patrick W. Grant, son, Donald Wayne Baldwin, daughter-in-law, Lori Baldwin, grandchildren, Megan Bondy, Bryan Grant, and Monique Christensen, great grandchildren, Patrick Grant, Connor Grant, Juliet Bondy, Aiden Christensen, and brother, Ralph Smith.

A celebration of life will be held at the Mohave Valley United Methodist Church, 1593 East Lipan Blvd., Fort Mohave, AZ 86426, on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 10:30 AM. The celebration will be live streamed on Facebook @adamstouffer. As wilma was such an animal lover, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local animal shelter or rescue.