Helen M. Baldwin

Helen M. Baldwin, 96, of Zenas passed away Wednesday, August 31, 2005 at her residence. She was born near Westport in Decatur County on June 3, 1909 the daughter of Jessie "Abe" and Anna Hilbert Ponsler. She was married to Denver H. Baldwin on December 21, 1929 and he preceded her in death in 1994. Survivors include one son Marvin Baldwin and his wife Alberta of Zenas; one daughter Carol Sporleder Stratton of Holton; grandchildren Lt. Col. Richard Baldwin and his wife Mary of Altus, Oklahoma, Ronald Baldwin and Elaine of Austin, Texas, and Robin Walderhaug and Mark of Silver Springs, Maryland, David Sporleder and his wife Mickey, Dwayne Sporleder and Patty, and Donald Sporleder and Robin, all of North Vernon; 12 great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, eleven step great-grandchildren, and five step great-great grandchildren; one brother Harlace Ponsler of North Vernon. Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, sons-in-law Paul Sporleder and Leslie Stratton, Sr., grandchildren Catheryn Marie Baldwin and Daryl Dean Sporleder, step-grandson Leslie Scott Stratton; brothers Harry Ponsler and H. Harold Ponsler, and her sister Hazel Ponsler. Mrs. Baldwin was a 1927 graduate of Zenas High School and had been an active member of the Zenas Baptist Church since 1929. She was a homemaker, charter member of the Columbia Extension Homemakers Club and was also a member of the Jennings County Farm Bureau. She was a local artist and a former 4-H leader. Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 3 at 11am at the Zenas Baptist Church with Rev. Jack Suits and Rev. Charles Cole officiating. Burial will be in the Rock Creek Cemetery near Westport. Visitation will be Friday, September 2 from 4pm to 8pm at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles and also from 10am until time of services Saturday at the church. Memorials may be given to the Hospice of South Central Indiana or the Zenas Baptist Church in care of the funeral home.