Edna Ruth Atkinson, age 94 of Circle, MT, went with the lord on February 12, 2017 in Billings, MT with her family by her side. The family is thankful they all got to be there, to watch her pass on to her Lord & Savior with dignity and grace.
Edna was born on the family farm east of Plevna, MT on December 12, 1922. She was the daughter of Emanuel and Caroline (Wenz) Freier. She married Tom Atkinson and together they raised a family with nine children. They lived in Terry, Circle and Glendive over the years owning and operating grocery stores. They also lived in Fallon, MT raising a garden and a beautiful yard.
Erma Bombeck wrote a column about the conflicts that sometimes occur as siblings divide family items after a parent has died. Whether it’s the mixing bowls, grandma’s quilts, or the Christmas ornaments, people are often convinced that they alone should have a certain item. Bombeck said she never wanted a TV set or a tote bag to remember her parents, because their true legacy to her was the way they lived, not what they left behind. Those comments caused me to ask, “What kind of legacy would I like to leave my children?” I’ve concluded that I would like my kids to feel that their mom helped them learn where to go during the storms of life. Three times in Psalm 46, the writer refers to the Lord as “our refuge” – a place to protection during times of danger or distress (vv.1,7,11). And in Proverbs 14:26, we read about the God-fearing man as one whose children “will have a place of refuge.” If I learn to find shelter and strength in the Lord today, then my children have an example to follow and know where to turn. I’d be pleased if someday they would all say of that refuge they’ve found in the Lord: “Dad and mom wanted me to have this.” – David McCasland
O God, our help in ages past, Our home for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast, And our eternal home! – Watts
Living for the Lord Leaves a Lasting Legacy Love Mom
Edna is survived by her children: Agnes (Leo) Schmidt, Carla (Ron) Brummell, Charles Atkinson, Sheila (Arden) Schwartz, Sandra (Barry) Bohlman, J.T. (Brenda) Atkinson, Monte (Annie) Atkinson, Sherri Overton (Russell) and David (Marcia) Atkinson. She is also survived by her sister Agnes (Russell) Wiseman, and sister Winnie Pugh, 27 great grandchildren and numerous great and great great grandchildren. Edna was preceded in death by her parents, husband Tom, infant son Thomas Allen, Brothers: Ervin, Edmund, and infant brother Harold; her sisters: Lorene Buerkle and Helen Allerdings. A special thank you to her prayer partners Leona Rahr, Dorothy Post and her special friend & caregiver Deana Curtiss and Ed Curtiss.
Visitation will be held on Monday, February 20, 2017 with the family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. followed by a prayer service at 6:00 p.m. at the Glendive Evangelical Church in Glendive, MT. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Glendive Evangelical Church in Glendive. Interment will follow in the Riverview Cemetery in Circle, MT at 3:00 p.m.. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday February 20, 2017
Glendive Evangelical Church
118 W. Borden Street
Glendive, Montana 59330
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday February 21, 2017
Glendive Evangelical Church
118 W. Borden Street
Glendive, Montana 59330
Graveside Service
3:00 p.m.
Tuesday February 21, 2017
Riverview Cemetery
Circle, Montana 59215
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday February 20, 2017
Glendive Evangelical Church
118 W. Borden Street
Glendive, Montana 59330
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Tuesday February 21, 2017
Glendive Evangelical Church
118 W. Borden Street
Glendive, Montana 59330
Graveside Service
3:00 p.m.
Tuesday February 21, 2017
Riverview Cemetery
Circle, Montana 59215
Share
Cheryl Whitney says
I worked for Tom and Edna at the Super Value in Terry. Wonderful people!
Ron & June Tibbetts says
Prayers for all …Edna was a very fine Lady…She was always going 90 mph. Was so nice when they had the store in Terry
Troy and JoDee Hess says
Edna was such an inspiration to all of us. She is catching up with Tom and meeting Jesus. We look forward to seeing her again someday. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Tim and Diane Ehman says
Our sympathy to Edna’s family. She was a wonderful person, always so friendly with a smile on her face!
Jana Hance says
Aggie, Sheri and Sandy;
Hugs and prayers to you and your families. Edna was a neat person.
Janet Hansen Beery says
Such a sweet/kind lady. Always so upbeat & friendly. The Heavens & God received another ‘special’ Angel.
Laura Wittenberg says
Edna was a great lady, an example of a true woman of faith and love of Jesus. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. What a great day in heaven!
Alvin and Sharon Wenz says
Extending our deepest sympathy to Edna’s family. We would occasionally cross paths with Edna– in doing so we would always enjoy her warm smile and friendly visits. We knew Edna as cousin to Dad Wenz. Proud to have known her. Heaven’s gain!
Doug and Randi Wenz says
Edna was a dear friend and relative, what a great lady! She taught us so much about our family history and was always so glad to see us. We will miss her, Doug and Randi Wenz
DeLynn and Angie Meidinger says
Our thoughts and prayers are extended to all of Edna’s family! What a wonderful lady. She will be missed. DeLynn and Angie Meidinger
Larry Bruce says
There is an Irish headstone that reads: “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. Beautiful Edna left her amazing family and multitude of friends a huge treasure chest of precious memories that are there to plunder when needed. Our love and prayers.
Larry & Sandy Bruce
Kathy McGowan says
I worked one summer at the grocery store in Circle. Luckily, I came from German, hard-working stock because Edna expected everyone to work as hard as she did. Then Tom stole me and put me in the back doing meat. What an experience. Fine people. I don’t know if they appreciated me leading Charlie astray, although it was questionable who was doing the leading. All great memories.
Bill and Claire McLouth says
We wish to add our condolences. We enjoyed Edna and her family very much when we lived in Circle. She will be missed.
Londa Salinas says
Grandma
I miss you so very much, you were always just larger than life. I have so many great memories of spending time with you and Grandpa. I became stronger in my faith because of you. I remember so many times getting up at the crack of dawn to deliver newspapers in the blue Jetta, so many great times together. You were the greatest grandma and I’m a better woman because of you. I love ❤️ you very much!! Like Cody(my son) said you are with grandpa now but you are also one of Jesus’s helpers now! You are a beautiful angel with us now?
Kathy Aakre Ruddy says
My sincere, heartfelt condolences to the family of such a lovely lady. I was honored to know both Tom and Edna.
Kim R. Smarsh says
Aggie and Sherry and families–I am so sorry for your loss. What a great legacy she has. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Becky Johnson Fuhs says
My heartfelt condolences are with Ednas family…Such a Great lady to have known…My thoughts and prayers are with all of you…Much Love Becky Johnson Fuhs
Dea Hostetler says
We sorrow when a loved one boards a ship and departs from our shores. As we stand on the dock and watch as the ship disappears over the horizon, we grieve because “she’s gone” . . . but imagine the joy of those on that distant shore as they welcome her arrival! All Heaven is rejoicing over Edna’s arrival! My prayers are with the Family. In Christ, Dea (Nefzger) and Craig Hostetler
Margaret MARESH says
I have so many memories of growing up with the Atkinson kids. I spent much time in their home and Tom and Edna always made me feel like I just belonged there. They set an example of living their faith and teaching it to their children. I have been blessed to know them. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Diane Ligon (Shamley) says
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in the loss of your Mom, Grandma, and Great Grandma. She definitely left a wonderful legacy.
Jim and Judy Stegmeier says
“What a day that will be when my Savior I shall see when He takes me by the hand and leads me through the promised land,what a day,glorious day that will be.”
What a history of faith your parents left. How they are rejoicing in the presence of the Lord.We’ll meet again someday. Blessings to your family.
Melody Buerkle says
Dearest family. I met most of you at the Freier family reunion. Aunt Edna treated me like she had known me all my life, and I had only joined the family in 1974 when Sharold & I got married. I sure wish I could have gotten to know her better. I would really like to get to know all of you better. We have a lot in common. Our life here on earth is so short and I am comforted in knowing that eternity in heaven awaits. May God give you the comfort you need at this time.
Ralph and Sally Lehner says
To all of Edna’s family, our deepest sympathies are with you. Edna was a very special lady. She and Tom raised some great kids. Edna will be missed so much by all that knew her.
Sharon & Bob Russell says
There is no way to prepare ourselves for such a heartbreaking loss. I do know she had three great sons…what ever magic she instilled in them was a gift to the rest of us. They are wonderful men with big hearts and good souls. I can only assume, ALL her children were the gift to the world she leaves behind. I wish I could have met her—-the boys always smiled when they told stories about their life with her.
Rest in Peace Edna
Bill and Karen Morris says
Sending our love and sympathy to the Atkinson Family. Tom and Edna will be greatly missed by all who loved them. Their sons and daughters we have had the pleasure of meeting are living tribute to the lives of Tom an Edna, especially our dear David.
Brian Hardy says
My deepest sympathy to Edna’s family. You have tremendous faith and you realize the purpose in life is to prepare to meet our beloved Maker. I enjoyed both Tom and Edna when I began working at the grocery store in Circle in 1970! Monte we had a blast sneaking into the cooler on a HOT day and eating ice cream bars….I know YOU paid for them. haha God’s love and peace to each and everyone of you. Greetings from Atlanta area Georgia.
Billy and Flo meissner says
We will always remember Edna for her kindness to others. She always Had something nice to say and was very pleasant. She can join Tom now and be together forever in His arms. Our prayers are for all the members of this wonderful family. She really will be missed. May God’s love surround you!
Jitt Schneider says
Charlie and the rest of Edna’s family,
My family and I are thinking of you during this time. No matter the age or circumstance it is always hard to see our parents go. Hold your memories near and know we are praying for you all during this difficult time.
Jitt Schneider & Family
Josephine Spoor says
Our deepest sympathy to Edna’s family. To my best childhood girlfriend, Aggie. Your mother was a kind and wonderful lady. I had the chance to speak on the phone with her when my husband and I came back for a visit. We stayed with Leo and Aggie. Our love and prayers to all of you.
Mel and Jo (Hille) Spoor
Linda Wenz Holden says
Edna was such a special lady. We kept in touch by phone and Christmas cards after my Mom passed away. They were the same age and confirmed together at the German Congregational Church in Plevna. Edna was related to both my Mother Irene Krausz Wenz and Dad Emil Wenz. She shared her hand written life story with me and it is a treasure. I appreciated her wisdom and love for the Lord. Her last Christmas card was so witty. She had a photo of her rolling pin that she “hung up” after so many years of baking. I know she is with the Lord and that gives great comfort. Deepest sympathy to her children and grandchildren. She lived her life well and was an inspiration to many.
Mary Jo Lawrence. (Nerud) says
Charlie, Sheila and entire family: Very sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. She is now so much at peace and home in heaven. God’s Graces to Each of You.
Sharon & Bob Russell says
We previously wrote about Edna’s ‘3’ sons….it was only after I saw a picture of the FOUR boys that we realized we hadn’t met all the boys…I hope the family is healing and staying close to each other…
Jan and Vern Brost says
Thank you for sharing your wonderful Mom with us! We think the world of you, dear family! It is so bittersweet to experience a “homegoing” of our parent. We are praying for those moments when tears spill over, remembering “what was” and celebrating her amazing, generous life! We enjoyed any visiting time with her, always having such interest in our lives. She was a great spiritual encouragement to our folks and us. Blessings on your beautiful heads!!
Debbie (Bond) Wagner says
Our deepest sympathy to Edna’s family. When I told me mom (Ruth Bond) that she had passed away, she said “She was such a nice lady!” Our prayers to all.
Suzanne Wollman says
She was a very special lady to our family…her kind ,caring and compassionate ways will never be forgotten..our deepest sympathy to the family….”in our hearts forever “
Dick Hess says
Our deepest sympathy to Edna’s family! Tom and Edna were special neighbors in Fallon!! Such a great couple!! Dick and Lola Hess
Jo Rice says
I got to know your mom when my mom also lived at Grandview and at church. I so enjoyed your sweet momma, always a happy glad to see you greeting and asked about my mom often after she moved to a care facility. She would have us (me and my girls) stop and pick up her leftover food for our dog. 🙂
She was a sweet lady. She will be missed!
Charlie Dieker says
Atkinson Family you’re in my thoughts and prayers. Love to all. Charlie DIeker
Major LaRowe says
Edna is the Mother of beautiful people. Her and Tom created a great family that blessed Montana and our earth.