Ruby Lee Baldwin's Obituary
Ruby Lee Baldwin, 87, passed away peacefully in Annapolis, Maryland on June 22, 2026. Born to Marvin and Emma Lawson on July 28, 1938 in Tazewell County,Virginia, Ruby spent her life bringing warmth, kindness, and love to everyone who knew her. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister who took immense pride in her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, Arch Clinton Baldwin. She is survived by her 4 children: Patricia Grosbach (Theodore), James David Baldwin, Nina Smoot (H. Wayne), and Arch Baldwin, Jr. (Shirley); four brothers Jack Lawson, Ronie Lawson, Wayne Lawson, Brad Lawson and one sister, Carolyn Casey, as well as many grand-children, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Coming from a coal-mining town in Western Virginia, and moving with her family to Annapolis in the early 1960’s, she began a 22 year career as a Nurses Aid caring for others. But her family remained her life’s purpose. When she could no longer drive, she adopted a “telephone ministry,” through which she maintained her place as the encourager and information line for the family. Her one-bedroom apartment was never too small to entertain and provide shelter for her beloved family.
Mom always made herself available to listen and encourage. Her example of loving us through our worst and best moments will always be most precious. I could never write enough good things about her as that would be endless. I truly loved my mom and I know that she loved me with all her heart. - Patricia Grosbach
“How blessed I was to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." She was not only my mother, she was my friend.I will forever hold her in my heart. Her love, her courage and her strength will live on in those she loved and cared for. Her kindness, her thoughtfulness and her loyalty will be forever a part of our DNA. We can't say goodbye. It’s just too hard to let her go. Instead we will hold her forever in our hearts. -Nina Smoot
My mom was one of the strongest women I know. She taught a wily and rambunctious child (me) to fear God but also taught me the love and mercy of God. For that I will be forever grateful. You will surely be missed. -Arch Baldwin Jr.
I've been trying to find the right words to describe the monumental loss our family has experienced. I think my husband, a man of few but incredibly impactful words, said it best: "Aunt Ruby always made me feel welcomed." That was my Aunt Ruby. She loved everyone. It didn't matter if you were family by blood, by marriage, or by choice. If someone welcomed you into the family, then you were family to her too.
What’s your fondest memory of Ruby?
What’s a lesson you learned from Ruby?
Share a story where Ruby's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Ruby you’ll never forget.
How did Ruby make you smile?
