MINERVA- Karen Rae Baldwin, 82, of Minerva, Ohio, died July 10, 2026, at her residence.

Born January 3, 1944, in Canton, Ohio, she was the daughter of the late George and Dorothy (Steinecki) Nist. She graduated from Canton McKinley High School and went on to build a life marked by service, hard work, and devotion to others.

Karen was among the first women to serve with the Plain Township Fire Station #4 Volunteer Fire Department, a role that reflected both her courage and her willingness to step forward when others were needed. Her commitment to helping people continued as she became an EMT and later pursued additional training to become a paramedic. Through these roles, Karen devoted herself to the care and well-being of others, earning the respect of those who knew and worked alongside her. Later in life, she served as an administrator at a Christian day care center in Canton, where her compassion and steady presence were a blessing to the children, families, and staff she served.

Karen had a lifelong love of horses and found great joy in her small farm, where she spent time breeding and training them. She appreciated the work, patience, and beauty that came with caring for animals, and this passion was one of the many ways she expressed her love for life. She also enjoyed gardening, where she found peace and satisfaction in tending to the growing things around her. Above all, Karen lived with a strong Christian faith that shaped her outlook and gave her strength through every season of life.

Karen is survived by her children, Scott (Emma Sue) Baldwin of Minerva, Debra (Ricky) Kranning of Minerva, and David Baldwin of Thailand; her brother, Gary (Evelyn) Nist of Canton; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Karen was preceded in death by her husband, David Edward Baldwin; and her brother, David Nist.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 18, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at her daughter’s home, 159 Union Ave. SE, Minerva, Ohio. Arrangements are being handled by Stark Memorial Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Please visit www.starkmemorial.com to view this obituary, send condolences, or order flowers.