She was born December 17, 1935 in Peoria to Victor and Lucy (Zilch) Bledsoe. She married Robert Whitfield on September 3, 1960 in Peoria.
Surviving are her two sons, Robert (Elsie) Whitfield Jr. of Peoria and Rickie (Jacqueline) Whitfield of Lowpoint; four grandchildren, Joshua Edward Harris, Tiffany Harris and Robbie Lee Whitfield III. both of Peoria, and Ryan Lance Whitfield of Oklahoma; step-granddaughter, Alexis (Stephanie) Whitman of Dunlap. Also surviving are several great-grandchildren; six siblings, Ed (Donna) Bledsoe, Paula (Bob) Whitledge, Judy Dodson, Virginia Milligan, Mary Magee and Vickey (Roy) Price; and dear friends from her group reunion, Bonnie Stroot and Peggy Carpenter.
She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother Jack Bledsoe and one sister, Peggy Shryock.
Edith was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and also attended at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Metamora. She worked as an Office Manager in the Nutrition Program at the University Of Illinois Extension in Peoria until retiring in 2005.
Cremation will be accorded and a mass will be at 11 am on Friday, March 3, 2023 at Resurrection Mausoleum in Peoria. Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria is in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to the Cursillo of Peoria, P.O. Box 10684, Peoria, IL 61612-0684. Words of comfort can be shared with the family at www.woolsey-wilton.com.
