Edith I. Walter, 88, formerly of Lakeville, passed away in her Bremen home on Saturday, May 8, 2021 with her children near.
Born in her family’s home in Walkerton, Indiana on March 15, 1933, Edith was the daughter of Ben Smith Sr. and Nellie Marie (Davenport) Holland. She attended Tyner High School.
On June 24, 1949 in her mother’s Teegarden home, Edith married Chester “Chet” Elmer Walter. Together they would raise ten children; six of their own, two they adopted and two they kept as extra children. They also fostered 100 children in 30 years and touched the lives of each one of them. Devoted to one another for 62 years, Chet would pass on November 21, 2011.
Edith worked for the Lakeville/LaPaz Ambulance Service as a dispatcher for 25 years and on the flower committee for 5 years. She would retire in 2008. Edith was a member of the Ladies Axilliary-Union North in LaPaz.
The family cherished many memories with her camping and at Potato Creek State Park, playing games and having great laughs. She loved being with her family. Edith enjoyed giving of herself and her huge heart. Whether it was a small comfort meal or an event dinner, she was also a great cook.
She is survived by her children: Jay A. (Shirley) Walter, Sr. of Plymouth, Lyle L. (Glendy) Walter, Sr. of South Bend, Connie L Miller of Nappanee, daughter-in-law Kris Walter of LaPaz, Sue A. (Richard, Sr.) Wagoner of Plymouth, John H. (Vonna) Walter of Bremen, Lori A. Walter of Bremen, Patti A. (Ronald) Thomas of LaPaz, William D. (Heidi) Leighty of South Bend, and Marcia A. Walter of Bremen; 26 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren and 11 great-great grandchildren; and brother: Earl Smith.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; son, George Walter; brothers, Ben and Wayne Smith; sisters, Hope Matz and Connie Godlevski; son-in-law, Charlie Miller; and great-grandson, Aaron Eckman.
Visitation will be held On Wednesday, May 12, 2021 from 4-8 p.m. in the Pine Creek Church of the Brethren, 69531 Pine Road, North Liberty.
Funeral services will be held in the church at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 13, 2021 with calling one hour prior. Pastor Nathan Rosentrater and grandson Pastor Jay Walter Jr. will be officiating. Burial will follow in the Fair Cemetery, North Liberty.
Preferred are memorial gifts in Edith’s name to the church or Center for Hospice Care 112 S. Center St. Plymouth IN 46563.
Joe & Barb Yocum says
Your family is in our prayers at this time..
Heaven better get ready for two rascals (she and my Mother), they will be pulling funny stints quite ofter.
Sally (Strang) Himlin says
She was a great friend of my Mother, Carol Strang. I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers be with you all.
Steve Van Houten says
What a great, wonderful, and giving woman! She had a heart of PURE GOLD. our thought and prayers go out to each and every family member for the days that are ahead for you all.
Lisa and Steve Van Houten
Bill and Brenda Cox says
We are so sorry for your loss and will be in our prayers.
john says
i went to school with lyle and remember her from the grocery store business rest in peace
Sam and Peggy Fisher says
Sam and I are so sorry to hear about the passing of your Mom Lyle. My heart aches for you and the family. All of you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Please accept our deepest condolences, and may God keep you all in his loving arms for comfort. Sam and Peggy Fisher
Stacie Boles Warner says
What a remarkable person she was! I am very sorry for your loss!!
Nancy Dolph says
What a wonderful life lived. A woman who loved God and her family. Made the best tapioca pudding, mayonnaise cake and lemon dessert. She will be missed.
Trudy Stearns says
Edith was a wonderful woman… She will be so missed. She touched everyone’s life that knew her. She loved her family and her friends. It was a great honor to be able to call her my friend.. I will miss you Edith… I will see you again in heaven…❤️❤️
Sheryl Ringer says
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. Thankful that you know she is with her Savior. May God grant you peace and comfort during this time.
Mark and Sheryl Kaiser Ringer.
Janice (Fluckey) Rash says
My deepest sympathy to the Walter family. I was a classmate and friend of John’s. Even with all their own children, Edith & Chet welcomed all of their kids’ friends into their home too! Once I became sick at school and was told I would have to go home. Edith was at the school for some reason and before I could call my parents to come get me, she was taking me home. She didn’t worry about getting sick herself, plus it was way out of her way, but that was the kind of person she was. When we graduated, she stood up and took pictures of all John’s friends’ as we got our diplomas as if we were “all” her children. I know she will be missed… heaven has gained an angel.
Christine Britland says
Deepest condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of meeting Edith many years ago when my sister, Jennifer was pregnant with her son (one of Edith’s great grandchildren). From what I’ve heard over the years she was very beloved by the family, a true matriarch that grounded the deep roots and many branches of a large extended family. May you all find comfort in the memories and knowing that she will always be with you in spirit. Rest In Peace Edith.
Lisa Erdelyi says
Aunt Edith was a wonderful person with a kind heart! I thought very highly of her. She always cared for everyone else. She knew what was important and made a big difference in the lives of many. She will be remembered with great fondness!
Lisa (Matz) Erdelyi