Edith Birdell (Rodgers) Wiley, 94, homemaker and retired Methodist pastor's wife, died on Sunday (March 6, 2011).
Edith was born on April 28, 1916, in Newton, the daughter of Charles Leroy and Emma (Holdeman) Rodgers. The family lived in Newton where Edith graduated from Newton High School. Edith worked as a secretary for Newton Finance and Investment Co. from 1934 to 1940, when she married Ira Wiley. Edith and Ira celebrated their 67th anniversary before his death in 2008.
Ira worked for Santa Fe Railroad in Newton, Chanute and Emporia, until he resigned and entered the ministry. Ira and Edith served United Methodist churches in Cedar Point, Bazaar, Hamilton, Virgil, Junction City, Moran, Bronson, Mildred, Girard, Farlington, Shawnee Mission and Oswego.
Upon retirement, Edith and Ira moved back to Newton and served part time at Cedar Point. They attended Trinity Heights United Methodist Church.
She is survived by four sons, David of Park City, Sam and Susan of Houston, Texas, Jon and Linda of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Tom and Lisa of Topeka; one daughter, Ruth Solon of Park City; nine grandchildren, Shannon, Kelly, Kimberly, Sara, Mark, Misty, Brett, Rachel and Aaron; 21 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; sister, Zeta Rodgers Brandt of Laverne, Calif.; brother and sister-in-law, Keith and Rowena Rodgers of San Antonio, Texas; sister-in-law, Clara Temple of La Jolla, Calif.; and 13 nieces and nephews.
Edith was preceded in death by her husband, Ira; her brother, Lee Rodgers; and granddaughter, Susannah Wiley. Edith will be missed by all. When family and friends think of Edith, they think of love, grace and above all, kindness.
Visitation will be from 1 to 9 p.m. Thursday, with family available from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Peterson Funeral Home, 215 N. Main St. in Newton. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Newton Church of the Brethren, 520 Columbus in Newton.
Memorial funds have been set up at Newton Church of the Brethren and Trinity Heights United Methodist Church in Newton.
