Yakima- Edythe LaVonne Grundy, 81, was taken home by our Lord Friday, May 21, 2010. Born Rapid City, South Dakota, May 27, 1928 to James Alfred Sutfin and Amelia Emily (Arneson) Sutfin. Survived by her sister Eunice (Billie) Nadine Rhodes and her children Sheryl D Miller of Yakima; John R Grundy (Twin) of Yakima; James R Grundy (Twin) and his wife Mary Leta Grundy of Union Gap; Jack R Grundy (Triplet) and his wife Bonnie E Grundy of Port Orchard, Washington; Jeffery R Grundy (Triplet) of Yakima; Joshua Ray Grundy and his wife Cathleen A Grundy of Kennewick; Amelia L Henderson of Yakima; 22 Grand Children and 10 Great Grand Children; also a sister-in-law Betty Sutfin of Washington, D.C. and brother-in-law Robert McGreal, MD of Ellensburg. Preceding her in death were her husband, parents and one of the Triplets Joel R Grundy; also her siblings Lionel A Sutfin; Mildred (Millie) E Rhodes; Vance E Sutfin; Viva G Dovel; Socrates “Drew” Sutfin; Maxine (Tel) Thelma McGreal; Lillian (Lillie) E Sutfin; Ede was our beloved Mother, Mother-in-Law, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Sister and Friend; she was surrounded by her loving family until God in his grace called her home. She married Harry Richard (Dick) Grundy on June 5, 1950 in Tacoma, moving to the Yakima Valley in 1954. Together they operated the Yakima Ice Skating Arena and in 1962 in partnership owned and operated the Yakima Speedway; which she continued to run until early 1967 bringing in acts like Evel Knievel whom she called Robert; and also started the first Apple Cup Racing for Yakima.
As a single mom she worked in the Food Services Industry carrying two and three jobs at a time keeping a pretty tight schedule because her eight children were the world to her. Charisma, charm and attention to detail opened the hearts of all who came in contact with her … remembering the wonderful Blonde Hair and the “all encompassing laugh” that drew you in. Ede had retired from Golden Kayland after 15 years at 77 years young only to begin work again part-time; stopping this February and still wanting to continue because she was too young to sit at home. Holidays were a favorite she would prepare food like the most melt in-your-mouth Brown Giblet Gravy where all the Children or Grandchildren would take turns to stir if they wanted to visit with her in the kitchen; baking cakes and pies while pulling out all the decorations to deck out her home in the wonderful colors of the event. At Easter she had become famous for her Bunny Cakes and would lavishly decorate her dining table and nestle the Bunny’s in the middle, everyone decorating eggs in anticipation for the big hunt. Love of family and friends followed her, she looked forward to a sit down coffee or glass of wine as anyone could drop by gather around the dining table or out on the deck, sharing their best jokes and stories.
Her love of discovering new people made traveling with her an extra special treat, any who met her would call her Mom and look forward to a big hug. Recent trips included a Baja Mexico Cruise, with a total of 17 family and friends booking the same event. When it was time to relax by the dance floor, pool and/or hot tub there was possibly a small glass (or maybe it was a larger glass) of Chardonnay or Merlot to toast family and life and that God is good! Next off to Florida where they held Daytona’s 50th Anniversary, a full week of Nascar racing in all its glory; she packed her Crossword Book and a week’s worth of Papers’ folded to the daily crossword puzzle to catch up on the plane, using a pen not a pencil because of her devotion to getting things done right!
Mom … God Bless the time you had with us, always ready to lend a hand, share whatever you had, give advice as needed and especially provide us with hugs and kisses; we are all the richer from your love.
Memorial Service to be held at Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home, 1010 W. Yakima Avenue at 1:00PM, Friday, May 28, 2010. Inurnment will follow at West Hills Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to Union Gospel Mission, c/o Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home.
Arrangements under the direction of Langevin-Mussetter Funeral Home, Yakima, WA.
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