Edith M. Wendelken
Edith Merrelle Wendelken of Marietta Rehabilitation Center, Marietta, passed away suddenly Wednesday, May 25, 2011, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s. The daughter of Thomas and Ella Matheny Dearth, she was born on August 6, 1923 in Reno, Ohio.
Edith married Mervin Wendelken on June 23, 1981. He preceded her in death in 1995. They enjoyed a busy life with church (Marietta Bible Center), friends and family. When Edith was healthy she would spend her time with friends. One could find her most days eating lunch at Wendy’s with her group of friends and family, enjoying music along the levee, and she would often end her evenings drinking coffee with friends at McDonalds. She spent many enjoyable days sitting in the group room at The Inn and most recently at Marietta Rehabilitation Center. Her friends there could depend on her for lively conversation every day and the nurses spent many hours talking to her as she sat with them late into the evening. We are thankful for the kindness of each person at both The Inn and Marietta Rehab. We are especially thankful for the excellent care on her last day.
She is survived by her sister, Bernadine (John) Murphy, her daughter, Sally (Juddson) Lewis, and her daughter-in-law, Joyce Ritchie. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren and their families: Dean (Judy, Beth & Brooke) Lewis, Becky (Garry & Nicole) Best, Jane (Rick, Chelsi, Kara & Alec) Smith, Debbie (Doug, Brady & Case) Edgar, Jeff (Paula & Nick) Lewis, and Edie (Ryan, Sydney & Ellery) Westbrook and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her brother Art Dearth, her sisters Genevieve Bogard, Kate Carpenter, Joann Pritchett, her son, Thomas Ritchie and one great-grandchild, Shea Best.
The family invites you to the services in her honor on Saturday (May 28) at 10:30 am at McClure-Schafer-Lankford Funeral Home with Pastor Rick Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Riverview Cemetery. Visitation will begin at the funeral home on Friday at 6:00pm with family present from 6-8.