Muriel "Jan" J. Baldwin

 Jan Baldwin, 84, of Emmett, Idaho, passed away at her home on May 20, 2024.   

 Muriel Jannette Baldwin (Jan) was born to Ludell Helen and Robert Taylor Rainey on May 8, 1938 at home in River Rouge, Michigan.  She had an older sister, Marlene, and a younger half-sister, Susanne.  Her grandmother, Emma Holtz, helped raise her while her mother worked and was instrumental in a Lifetime Love of God. 
  Jan graduated from Allen Park High School and married James Harry Matthews in April of 1956.  Jan and Jim were blessed with 5 great children who were a true blessing then and now: Terrence James, Scott Ray, Glenn Allen, Dale Anthony and Linda Ludell.  They moved to Idaho and were followed shortly by childhood friends, Ted and Kathy Brooks and their three sons.  
  In August of 1978, Jan married Henry (Hank) Baldwin and was further blessed with step children; Theresa, Carol and Steven.  
  Jan and Hank enjoyed a wonderful marriage traveling all around the United States, Canada and Mexico with Ducks Unlimited. 
  One of her greatest pleasures was traveling to Alaska to see Carol and Steven, the grandchildren and the great grandchildren. She also enjoyed cruises to Panama, Ireland, Europe and Mexico.                                                                                                                                               Jan's greatest joy was being with Hank, her children and grandchildren for family reunions in Michigan.  She loved being with Hank and her son, Glenn; daughters, Linda and Susanne; grandson, Jeremy; her Michigan cousins, Cynthia, Patty, Earl and Dot.  She had fun taking her grandson, Ryan, to see his Yankees play on Seattle and watching Boise State games with Scott, Diane and family.  Shopping trips and lunch with her daughter Linda and daughter in law, Dianne brought her much happiness. 
   Jan had a great love for the people of Emmett and serving them. She served with the Emmett Police Department from 1973 until her retirement in 1990.  She was one of the first women to attend the police academy and at 50 years of age, she became the first female patrol officer in Emmett.  She was also a juvenile officer, investigator, DARE Officer and School Resource Officer.  In her career with the Emmett Police Department, she received the honor of Outstanding Law Enforcement Officer from the Chamber of Commerce and the State of Idaho.  
  After a short retirement, she went to work for Walter Knox Memorial Hospital for 10 years.  Jan continued to work after retirement as a member and president of the hospital auxiliary and enjoyed monthly lunches with other retirees.  She was a member of the library board for 5 years and served as secretary of her bowling league for over 40 years.  
  Jan was active in Ducks Unlimited for many years serving as area chairman and co-chairman of the Payette chapter for many years.  She was very proud of the work accomplished by Ducks Unlimited Wetland Conservation. 
  One of Jan's greatest loves was her church.  She served as Deaconess and Church Clerk at Emmett Christian Church and at Heritage Christian Church.  She loved the people of her church family and bible studies. She enjoyed 25 years singing with the All-Church Christmas Choir and taking part in Emmett festivities.  She loved people.
  Jan leaves behind her husband of 46 years, Hank; children, Terrance, Scott (Diane), Linda, Theresa, Carol (Troy)and Steve (Christine); sister, Susanne Irick; grandchildren, Jerome, Breanne, Ryan, Jeremy, Andrew, Cody, David, Amber, Misty and Brandon, Rudi, Patrick, Jennifer, Racheal, Jessica and Janel; and 23 great grandchildren.
  She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Ludell Rainey; sister Marlene Harmon; and her beloved sons, Glenn and Dale. 
   A Celebration of Life for Jan will be held at the Potter Funeral Chapel on Friday, June 28, 2024 at 11:00 AM.

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