Edith D. Matsen

Edith Drury Matsen was born on a farm near Goldendale, Wa on October 6, 1932. She passed away peacefully, on December 26, 2023 at the Cottage in the Meadow in Yakima, Wa.

Edith grew up with nine brothers and sisters on a farm outside of Goldendale. She was never lacking a friend as they all got along and were lifetime friends. She attended Goldendale schools. Edith left home at the age of 18 and married Virgil Drury. They had two children; Vern and Valda. Virgil and Edith spent many years together and enjoyed camping and building houses together, while raising a family. In 1986 Edith and Virgil parted ways. She then married Herbert Matsen in 1987.

Edith enjoyed going to Bickelton where her husband grew up. She and Herb always enjoyed staying at Herbs families ranch in Bickelton where they made many friends. She always felt at home there.

Edith was a bookkeeper for various businesses throughout her career and retired in her mid fifties. Besides traveling to the ranch in Bickleton, they enjoyed their train trip around the United States. They belonged to the VFW and had many enjoyable times there. Edith belonged to the Apple Blossom Garden Club of Selah. She enjoyed floral arranging and entering many of her creations in the local competitions. She loved her garden and worked in it from early spring until late fall every year until she was no longer able to. Her yard was beautiful with various type of flowers. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren; Matthew and Sarah. She spent many hours doing craft projects with them. Edith was a happy person as her son Vern recently said, “She was always happy and upbeat.”

At the age of 91 Edith is the longest survivor of ten children. She was preceded in death by her parents John and Hazel, her brothers and sisters; Bill, Jack, Isaac, Maxine, Hazel, James, Robert, Pat and Mary. She was also preceded in death by her husbands; Herbert Matsen and Virgil Drury.

She is survived by her children; Vern Drury and Valda Longsine (Brent). She is also survived by grandchildren; Mathew Longsine (Cassandra) and Sara Kelly (Paddy); her great grandchildren; Darby, Fallen, Conway, Eleanor and Emmett, her sister in law Patricia Drury and several nieces and nephews. At family request no services will be held at this time. Keep her in your hearts. To leave a memory for the family please visit lepfuneralhome.com