Edith Patricia Schell

It isn't what you are given in life,it's what you keep.Longtime Longmont resident, Edith Patricia Schell, stepped from this life on June 9, 2012 at HospiceCare of Boulder and Broomfield Counties. Blessed with a long, rich life, she was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.Edith was born on June 29,1921 in a coal mining town of Wonlock, Iowa to Vance and Mary (Starcevich) Crnkovich. She grew up in Slater, Iowa with brothers Ed and Fred, a sister Della, many cousins and rich Yugoslavian traditions. While attending high school in Slater, Edith was a four-year letter winner in basketball and the team captain. Following her 1939 high school graduation, she worked as a telephone operator. Later that year she moved with her family to Longmont where her father and brothers worked in the local coal mines.As a young woman, Edith managed the local Ben Franklin store, was a window dresser for J.C. Penney and eventually, was the accounting officer for Firestone Tire and Rubber in Denver.On January 22, 1955 Edith married William Bill Schell. They farmed east of Longmont where they raised their two children, Diane and Mark. Always working as partners and best friends, Bill and Edith were married for 39 years. Bill passed away in 1994.While raising their children, Edith continued as a part-time book keeper for her dear friend Elda Nelson Branch, the owner of Elda's Fashions. She kept the books for Siggs Service and was the officer and credit manager for Firestone Tire in Longmont. A member of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church for 73 years, Edith was a devout Catholic.An avid sports fan, Edith enjoyed watching football, baseball and WWE. She loved to visit Las Vegas and Blackhawk and lady luck was often on her side! Edith and Bill traveled throughout the United States, particularly spending time in the southwest and west coast states. Edith, Diane and Marilyn enjoyed many trips together including Yellowstone, South Dakota, Las Vegas, camping at Dowdy and West Lake, and the cabin in Fairplay. Edith liked crossword puzzles and loved to play Mexican Train, Farkle, and cards, especially if there was a bet involved! She was a wonderful cook and baker whose fried chicken, poticia and cherry pies will be missed. Edith's husband Bill and her parents preceded her in death as well as her brothers, Emil Crnkovich (baby), Ed Crnkovich, and Fred Crnkovich; and sisters, Therese Crnkovich (infant), and Della Villani.She is survived by her daughter, Diane Schell, her son Mark Schell and his wife Debbie, all of Longmont; grandchildren Anna, Kathryn and William Schell; numerous nieces and nephews; and special friends Marilyn Allan, Pat Shiner, Sue Buchanan, Deacon Mike Berens, Gregorita Ruiz, and all her dear friends at Hovor Manor.Visitation will be 5-8 PM on Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at Ahlberg Funeral Chapel with family present to greet friends. The rosary will start at 7 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, June 14, 2012 at St. Johns the Baptist Catholic Church. Interment immediately following the service at Foothills Gardens of Memory. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Johns the Baptist Catholic Church or HospiceCare of Boulder and Broomfield Counties and can be mailed to Ahlberg Funeral Chapel. Share condolences and memories with Edith's family at www.ahlbergfuneralchapel.com . A grateful and heartfelt thank you to Edith's nurses and doctors, the Hospice Care Center nurses, doctors, staff and her home Hospice Team, you are all angels. Mom always said I'll take it as it comes --- we were blessed to have her in our lives and are comforted that Mom had a long, full life and is finally home with her beloved Bill.