On Wednesday, October 21, 2021, Immogene (Jean) Baldwin Sorensen, our loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away at the age of 92.
Jean was born on October 2, 1929, in Kanab, UT to Frank and Erma (Siler) Baldwin. Her formative years were spent in Alton, UT where she attended grade school and then high school in Orderville, UT. She met and married Mont Sorensen of Orderville, UT on December 16, 1949, in the St. George Temple. To this union came four children Veldon Mont (Diane), Kay Charles (Sondra), Janeil (Eugene) Kunz and Ronald (Melanie). Being an only child, she relished the relationship with Mont’s larger family. Their 4 children soon became more as over the years they welcomed 4 spouses, then 18 grandchildren and at her death 45 (with one on the way) great-grandchildren and in January 2022 her first great-great grandchild. She loved being a grand and great-grandmother and could call each by name as she kept a large board with photos of each great-grandchild.
Jean was a lifelong learner and loved doing handiwork. Her hands were always holding a knitting needle, crochet hook or any other kind of needle. She made quilts, knitted sweaters, crocheted doilies and bedspreads. Her work always garnered blue ribbons in county and state fairs. Each child left home with a crocheted bedspread, numerous quilts, afghan, and dish towels. She was well known for her planning and organizational skills especially involving food. Raising her family in a farm environment, she was active in the community and particularly in the local school where her children attended. She was a prolific writer and excellent journalist as she noted events, weather, farm and family decisions.
After her marriage the couple made their home in New Castle, UT until they determined to buy a farm in Dietrich, ID in 1963. This farm was where her influence on her children was the greatest as she worked alongside them doing chores, chopping corn or hauling hay. Her organizational skills were honed while feeding, clothing and caring for a family, along with all the guests that came for short or longer visits. She was an excellent and equal partner on the farm doing the bookkeeping, running for parts and all things in making the farm a success. Sadly, on October 23, 1980, Mont was killed in a farm accident. Jean reluctantly sold the farm and relocated to McCammon, ID to be closer to her daughter, Janeil and family.
She loved to travel and collected spoons from all the locations, which filled several large display boards. In the end she felt her greatest accomplishment was her posterity, whom she readily shared stories about with anyone that would listen. No accomplishment was too small for her to enjoy hearing about and then sharing with others.
She was a resident in several places with many moves which included: Orderville and New Castle, UT, Dietrich, McCammon, ID (3 locations), Overton, NV, Shelly, American Falls, Idaho Falls, ID and then her final home at Williamsburg Assisted Living in Logan, UT.
Jean was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many capacities as a leader, counselor or member. She served a full-time mission to Oregon and was devoted to temple work and attendance.
Jean will be greatly missed as an aunt, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. There will be a viewing from 10 to 10:45 AM on Saturday, October 30 in the Orderville Ward Meetinghouse in Orderville. Funeral services will follow at 11 AM. She will be interred in the Orderville Cemetery next to her husband, Mont Sorensen. In keeping with current Church policy, we ask those attending to please wear a mask. Arrangements were made with Mosdell Mortuary of Kanab.
The family wishes to express their appreciation for the care and love she received from Williamsburg Assisted Living and Atlas Hospice.
Aunt Immogene is a grand lady… we loved to her stories of their life together .. she was always busy doing something.. and had her wits about her till the very end.. what a great example of one who’s hard work all of her life was witnessed by all her family and nieces and nephews.. she had many.. what a legacy you have left for all of us.. you will always be remembered as sweet Aunt Immogene.. we love you Harriett