Edith Smith died September 22, 2017 at the age of 98 of natural causes subsequent to a fall. She was born June 14, 1919 to Edward and Lillian Sic in North Bend, Nebraska. Edward was born to Czech and Lillian to Irish immigrant families who embraced the opportunities in 19th century America to achieve farm ownership through hard work. Edith grew up on a farm in a family of seven children, all of who predeceased her.
Edith was valedictorian of Rural District 70 in 8th grade, and of Fremont High School in 1937, winning a one year scholarship to the University of Nebraska. She earned a B.S. degree in Home Economics in 1941 then began her teaching career, where she soon met her husband Willard. They married in 1944.
While Willard was serving in the Army in Europe during WWII she joined her sister Ruth for a 10 day car trip to California where they got teaching jobs. The link to Ventura County was Ruth's first husband training and serving as a SeeBee. Edith taught at Briggs School until the end of the war then returned to Nebraska. Willard and Edith taught together thereafter, in Ashland, then Madrid, Nebraska, raising two baby boomers. In 1955 jobs were offered for both at Briggs School, near Santa Paula, CA. They taught 21 more years before retiring in 1976.
Edith's main hobby in retirement was sewing. She made patterned blankets, quilts, rag dolls, and went to great lengths to repair, alter, and hand-make clothing for friends and family.
Of special note was the creation by her PEO Group of the Santa Paula History Quilt in 1980. It has 30 blocks representing historic buildings and other aspects of Santa Paula Life. The graphic designs were provided by her brother-in-law, artist Leavitt Dudley. The quilt now hangs in Blanchard Community Library.
In early retirement, the Smiths traveled a little, but as Willard's health deteriorated Edith became a caretaker. He died in 1994.
Edith is survived by daughter Patricia (William) Guilford of Minneapolis and their daughters Megan (Stefan) Schellinger of London England, Gywnn (Sonia) Guilford of New York City, and Caitlin Guilford also of Minneapolis, MN; her great grand daughter, Billie Hannah Lin-Guilford of New York City was born this June.
She is also survived by son Dr. Douglas (Sherri) Smith of Sequim, WA.
A special thank you goes to dedicated caregiver Patty Magana, who spread her cheer taking care of Edith the past four years. Patty plied her with Hershey's chocolates between Edith's lamentations that she had already lived long enough, trying to coax a twinkle out of these blue eyes and a smile to show her dimples. Also thanks to nephews Mike Capesius, Tom Dudley, Tom's wife Carla D'Antonio, and niece Ebet Dudley, who were their to help Edith celebrate her birthdays and keep those countless evolving and exaggerated family stories going.
There are no service planned as requested.
Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.