Elizabeth Grace Edwards

Elizabeth Grace “Betty” Edwards, 86, of New Philadelphia and formerly from a farm outside of Tippecanoe, died Sunday evening, March 20, 2011 while surrounded by her family.A daughter of the late Edward and Ellen Wiles Wakeham, Betty was born on June 13, 1924 in Dagenham, England.Betty served in the British Land Army during World War II and would eventually meet her future husband, Ernest D. Edwards while on duty. The couple married in the Old Dagenham Church in England in 1945.Family was a very important part of Betty’s life and she enjoyed being a homemaker taking care of her husband and children, Lynn, Dianne, Ellen and Kenny. After her children were grown, she worked alongside her husband finishing the interiors of the homes and apartments that he built.She was very knowledgeable on current events and politics and Betty could be found rooting for her beloved Buckeyes each fall Saturday. She also loved to garden and especially enjoyed taking care of her roses. Betty was a member of Broadway United Methodist Church at New Philadelphia.For more than 30 years, Betty wintered in Citrus Park, Florida where she was an active part of the community. During her time spent in Citrus Park, Betty spent many hours on the shuffleboard court, sometimes six hours or more, and played in many tournaments. She would eventually earn the nickname of “Shuffleboard Queen”. She also enjoyed playing euchre and was part of many tournament winning teams.Betty will be remembered as a strong yet gentle lady and will be greatly missed by her family.She is survived by her daughter, Lynn (Dave) Eberle of Dover, Dianne (Craig) Porter of Cadiz and Ellen (Greg) Lawless of Indianapolis; her grandchildren, Dan (Sandi) Eberle, Laura (Dan) Evers, Bryan (Connie) Bachtel, Christine (Bill) Walsh, Chad and Nate Kemp, Steffannie, Sarah (Tyler Scott) and Craig Porter, Warren, Zach (Delyse) and Nathan (Heather) Lawless; her great-grandchildren, Joe Eberle, Kara, Ken and Anjli Evers, Cael, Reilly, Wesley and A.J. Bachtel, Taylor Cochrun, Brie Walsh and Alec, Victoria and Jacob Lawless; and four sisters, Evelyn Pearce of Canada and Nell Davis, Joan Lacey and Jackie Brown all of England. Numerous nieces and nephews complete the family.Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, her precious son, Kenny and a brother, Edward Wakeham.The family will receive friends on Friday, March 25, 2011 from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. A celebration of Betty’s life will be held on Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 10 a.m. in the funeral home with Rev. Jim McConnell officiating. A private burial alongside her husband and son will take place in Evergreen Burial Park at New Philadelphia.Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and view an online memorial by visiting the funeral home website.Contributions may be made in Betty’s memory to the American Heart Association, 5455 North High Avenue, Columbus, OH 43214.