Obituary of Edna Juanita Aerni Edwards

Edna Juanita Aerni Edwards was born March 26, 1926, in Trout Lake, Washington, to proud parents Joseph and Grace Aerni.  She was the youngest of five beloved children, Ruth, Olive, George and Pearl.

 

Edna worked hard in the fields, “shocking” hay and tending the farm in the beautiful Trout Lake Valley.  Her father gave her the choice of either a horse or a bicycle to get their mail every day after school; Edna chose a bicycle. Her father’s nickname for her was ET.  She would jokingly say, “He meant it when he called me ET.”

 

During World War II, Edna worked as an elevator operator while attending business college in Portland, Oregon.  When the war ended, soldiers came home to take over jobs maintained by the women.  Edna came home, where she met her future husband, LaVerne “Russ” Edwards.  They were married November 7, 1946.  Russ and Edna settled in the Pacific Northwest, where farming was their livelihood. 

 

Edna had a wonderful sense of humor and was fun-loving.  She loved to cook and would surprise her family by using them as guinea pigs when trying out new recipes.  Her recipes were great successes.  Edna also created beautiful quilts and sewed many clothes for her children and grandchildren.  She showed great love and concern for her children and their families.  Family birthdays were days to create favorite recipes for each person.

 

Her children’s memories show her love, including making sure they had three meals a day and meeting all of their needs, including health and dental care.  She sometimes “did without” herself when it came to caring for her children.  Edna had a heart that flowed with kindness, acceptance and love. 

 

Edna passed away July 15, 2020, in Yelm, Washington, at age 94.  Her family is joyful that their mom/grandmother/great-grandmother is home with her Heavenly Father, but their loss is heartbreaking.

 

Edna is survived by four children, Robert (Susan), Kenneth (Billye), David (Joyce), and Teresa (Kerry); ten grandchildren, eight great grandchildren; and three great-great grandchildren.

 

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