Edith Lydia Whitford

In the serene town of Apple Valley, California, the sun set a little dimmer on January 11, 2024, as Edith Lydia Whitford, affectionately known as Edie, aged 99, embarked on her journey to glory from the loving home of her youngest son, Geoff Whitford. Born on September 21, 1924, in Cohasset, Minnesota, to William Francis and Pearl Brown, Edith's life was a beacon of love, faith, and poetic beauty.

Edith's luminous personality was a magnet that drew others close, her outgoing nature weaving a tapestry of lifelong friendships. She possessed a rare ability to see the gold in people, choosing to focus on the light rather than the shadows. Her extraordinary poetic talent was not only a gift she generously shared to mark special occasions and honor loved ones but also led her to notable achievements that left a lasting impact on her community and beyond.

One of her most cherished contributions was authoring the Alma Mater for Rialto's Eisenhower High School in 1959, a testament to her poetic prowess and community spirit. This composition, cherished by generations of students, reflects her deep-rooted values of loyalty, memory, and affection for places that shape our lives. Her remarkable writing ability also shone brightly when she won an all-expense-paid trip to Carmel by the Sea for herself and her husband through a KSOM-FM (Cucamonga) radio essay contest in the early '70s, showcasing her talent and bringing joy to her family.

Edith's academic journey at the Glad Tidings Bible Institute in San Francisco laid the foundation for a life of service and spiritual dedication. Her early career began at Emporium, but it was her calling alongside her husband, James Keith Whitford I, that truly defined her path. Together, for over 40 years, they shepherded communities across California and Oregon, their ministry a testament to their unwavering faith and love for others. Edith's partnership with Keith was not just in life and love but in spiritual mission, touching lives through their service and Keith's music, celebrated in the album and songbook "On a Rugged Hill."

The matriarch of a vibrant family, Edith's legacy is carried on by her sons Philip, Kenwyn (and Ellen), Geoffrey; daughters-in-law Shirley, Janis, and Debbie Olson; and a lineage that spans generations, including 14 grandchildren, Leighann, Stephanie, Stephen, Melody, George, Amy, Frank, Amber, Mark, James, Katie, Michael, Robin, Kimberly, Danielle, Aron, Gram, Jennifer, Melissa, George, Tracey, Jonah, Andrea, Tara, and Denelle; numerous great-grandchildren, Theodora, Oswaldo, Kyle, Daniel, Lilian, April, Matthew, Briana, Julia, Tristin, Ally, Macy, Jayden, Candi, Roldon, Amanda, Michael, Alyssa, Nicholas, Nathan, Nikole, Nolan, Noah, Nehemiah, Ashley, Jacob, Frank II, Amanda, Kaylee, Blake, Taylor, Michaela, Rhema, Caleb, Kylie, Cameron, Presley, Damien, Dustin, Gino, Dominic, and Gabrielle; and even great-great-grandchildren, Chase, Liam, Salem, Nathan Cash, Achilles, Leonidas, Kairos Elijah, Sequoia, Charlotte, Matthew, Elana, Frank, Brodie, Brooklyn, Lucas Roy, Ryder, and Stella Rose, each bearing a part of her spirit.

Her life was a journey shared with her beloved Keith, their union on April 8, 1944, a chapter in a love story that inspired all who knew them. Though she now joins her husband, her eldest son James Stephen, and her siblings who have passed before her, her light remains undimmed in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

A Celebration of Life will be held in her honor on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Sunset Hills Mortuary in Apple Valley, a gathering to remember a life beautifully lived and deeply cherished.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Geoffrey Whitford for his devotion to Edith in her final years, and to the caregivers from Green Valley Hospice and Home Health Care, whose tender care and love provided comfort and peace.

In her lifetime of service, love, and poetic grace, Edith left a profound message that she hoped would resonate with all: "Jesus loves you." This simple yet powerful affirmation encapsulated her unwavering faith and the essence of her life's message. It is a beacon of hope and love that she wished to leave as her legacy, a reminder of Gods love that embraces each one of us.

Edith's memory will be a guiding star, her warmth, generosity, and unwavering faith a lasting legacy. She will be profoundly missed, yet her spirit will continue to inspire those who had the privilege to know her.