Edith L Wark (Edie or Edythe), 87, died at her home in Stevensville on Sunday, June 23rd. She was surrounded by her family.
She was born August 11, 1925 to Boyd and Ester Wark, of Moccasin, Montana. She was one of twelve children. The family moved to Stevensville in 1942 where Edie graduated from Stevi High School. In April 1952 she entered the Woman’s Army Corps (WAC).She attended basic training at Fort Lee, Virginia. She was stationed in France, Germany, Fort Meade, MO, The Presidio, CA, Camp Zoma, Japan and Korea. She was one of nine family members to serve in the United States Armed Forces.
Edie was given numerous awards, commendations, medals and citations in her distinguished military career. She retired on April 30, 1972 after 20 years of service. Being a Veteran was very important to Edie and she always took the opportunity to educate young family members to respect and honor our flag, country and those who served. Edie was a 50 year member of both the American Legion and the Women’s Auxiliary.
After the service, Edie, who had played competitive softball and bowled for the WAC, continued to bowl with friends and took up golfing as well. Edie was the only woman golfer at the Stevensville course for many years so she played with the men. She loved to show us the sand greens and later how the course improved over the years. These were her passions until health forced her to stop. Her favorite times were traveling with friends to bowling tournaments and the annual trips to Jackpot, NV with friends.
After Edie’s “retirement” from the service, she spent the next 25 years working in the Stevensville school lunchroom.
The Stevi Café will miss Edie’s daily visits for her 2-2-2. This is where Edie would take all her family anytime they visited and then fight over the bill. Any guesses on who won those fights?
Edie was preceded in death by her parents, Boyd and Ester Wark; four sisters: Anna Burke, Mae Wark, Helen Cushman and June Parks; and five brothers: John, Gene, Carl, Don and George. She is survived by one sister, Marie DeBour of Boardman, OR and one brother, Charles (Libby) Wark of Park City, MT and 25 nieces and nephews.
The family acknowledges with love and thankfulness, Sharon Evans who provided constant loving care to Aunt Edie and to Peggy Smith for transportation and companionship. Edie and the whole family are forever in their debt.
Graveside services were held Thursday, June 27th at Riverside Cemetery. Pastor Sarah Beck officiated. A reception followed at the American Legion Hall.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 94, Stevensville, or Aspen Hospice.
Condolences and memories may be left for the family at www.whltesittfuneralhome.com.