BALDWIN, Eldora Pauline 

(Age 80) Eldora went to be with the Lord on December 
19th, 2009 in Spokane, WA. She was born to Abram and 
Kathryn Peters on September 7, 1929 in Chinook, 
Montana. She is survived by her loving husband of 57 
years, Dave Baldwin of Spokane, WA; sisters Myrtle Nash 
of Moses Lake, WA, Gloria Goodwin of Seattle, WA, 
Goldie Hanson and her husband Ray of Covington, WA. She 
was preceded in death by her parents and step-brother, 
Lloyd. Eldora was blessed with two sons, Rev. Phil 
Baldwin of Republic, WA and John Baldwin of Spokane, 
daughters-in-law Patti Baldwin of Republic and Diane 
Baldwin of Spokane. Her grandchildren are Andrea 
Baldwin Welvaert of White Salmon, WA, Zachary Baldwin 
of Spokane, WA and Rachel Baldwin of Spokane, WA. She 
also has two great-grandchildren, Alexis and Ashlyn 
Welvaert of White Salmon, WA. Eldora is survived by 
step-children July Hartman, Carol Dingwell, JoAnne 
Riepl, and David Bruce Baldwin and her step-
grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. There are 
also many nephews and nieces and grandnephews and 
nieces that have been blessings in her life and will 
miss her until Heaven. Eldora lived a full life, 
realizing her God-given gifts to the fullest. Coming 
from a musical family, she literally grew up singing. 
As a teenager, she sang with her family in trios and 
quarters, becoming fairly well known in their part of 
Montana. As she settled in Spokane, where singing 
"sisters" were hard to come by, she pursued acquiring 
equipment in the 1960's to dub her own voice to add 
harmonies to her music. She then began adding pictures 
to the music, and eventually added studio musicians to 
her work. She sang in a variety of churches all over 
the country for over 30 years. She had a particular 
heart for small churches and often received little, if 
any, remuneration. She wrote over 200 gospel songs 
compiled in five CD albums. These songs are heard 
regularly on the Daystar Satellite on DISH network, 
during the Creation Scapes program and are coupled with 
beautiful video scenes and scripture. From the humble 
beginnings of Eastern Montana to literally a world-wide 
gospel music ministry. She is also a gifted writer, 
writing a biography of her heritage and family, and 
what it was like growing up in Montana. She also wrote 
at least two compilations of stories and experiences 
that God has given her. Other significant details of 
her life: She was an accomplished legal secretary and 
worked 15 years for various attorneys in Spokane. She 
lived for the day that she would quit outside work and 
be a full-time housewife and mother. She was also a 
"hands-on" helpmate in helping her husband work in the 
construction and remodeling of churches in Spokane and 
Royal City, WA as well as the remodeling of their own 
home. Eldora's faith was real. She lived looking 
forward to Heaven. Many of her songs were written about 
Heaven. We know that where she is now is a place 
blessed with her joy, her willingness to walk with 
Jesus and her heart to sing His praises. She will be 
missed for a while for we plan on joining her there 
soon. A Memorial Service is planned for Monday, 
December 28th at 1 PM at Trinity Baptist Church in 
Spokane, officiated by Pastor Mike Kirkwood. Eldora 
quoted this about her mother Katie Peters: "Mom had a 
deep faith which she passed down to all her children. I 
feel that if a mother does that, her life has been 
successful." This we find to be true not only of 
Grandma Peters, but absolutely about her daughter 
Eldora. 

Published in Spokesman-Review from December 25 to 
December 26, 2009