Patricia A. Ediger

Patricia Ann Ediger, 81, of Goessel, passed away into the loving arms of Jesus on January 25, 2021 at Newton Medical Center. Mom was born December 15, 1939 in Bakersfield, California. She was the 7th of 10 siblings, and the first of her siblings to be born in California. Her father and mother, John and Montie Redfearn, had relocated their sizeable family from Oklahoma with only $25 dollars in their pocket. She was always proud of her strong and loving Momma (Granny) who worked hard to provide for her children. Mom always regretted not being able to spend more time with her family.

One night in Bakersfield, at age 15, Mom met a handsome young sailor at a dance hall. That sailor became the love of her life. When that sailor was released from duty, and Mom was 18, Henry L. “Pete” Ediger and she were married on September 24, 1958 in Las Vegas, Nevada, “hotter than a pepper sprout,” as Dad always says. Dad was from Kansas, so he took his young bride 1,300 miles from her home to a place she had never been. Mom has always been easy going and she adapted to all these changes, as well as many others throughout her life without complaint.

In 1969, Dad’s job transferred our young family to Fresno, California. When my brother and I were a little older, she pursued her G.E.D. and was proud to be able to say she was a high school graduate. She retired as an HR Administrator for the V.A. Hospital in Fresno when she and Dad made the decision to move back to Kansas in 1996. Daughter Michele had moved back to Kansas, taking their beloved grandchildren too far away to bear.

Mom was an avid reader, a gifted tole/decorative painter and quilter. Most every friend and family member has at least one of her art pieces or quilts in their home. She loved to bake sweets and thoroughly enjoyed the beauty in nature. She also loved being pampered. Wherever she was, she was always happy just to be there; masterful in contentment.

Once you became a friend, you were her friend forever. And if you saw Mom headed your way, you knew you were getting a hug. As Mom lay in the hospital fighting for her life, she wanted everyone to know, “Don’t wait to enjoy your life until you’re old – enjoy it now, have fun, and don’t be so serious.” Mom is survived by husband Pete Ediger; daughter Michele Ediger (Gerald); Son, Michael Ediger (Sally); Grandchildren Ryan Caudell (Justine), Lyndsee Caudell (Garett), Rebecca LaLonde (Philip), Rachael Ediger and Faith Ediger; Greatgrandchildren Mikel, Gracie and Tommily Caudell, and Fox and Remy LaLonde.

Mom has been a sweet and loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her unexpected passing from COVID-19 has left our hearts broken, yet we draw comfort in knowing she is in heaven waiting to greet us with one of her warm hugs.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-17

We know many would like to pay their respects, however Mom requested that we meet together this spring or summer to celebrate her life with an old-fashioned Mennonite potluck picnic at Hoffnungsau Mennonite Church, Inman. Donations honoring her life may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.