Edith Lehman Kurtz

HARRISONBURG, Va. -- Edith Lehman Kurtz Himes of Harrisonburg, Va., departed this life and went quietly into the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Jan. 21, 2017, at the age of 88.

Born on Aug. 31, 1928, her life was lived as an example to those around her of the kindness and love of her Lord. Joy and gentleness were the marks of her life as she reflected the life of Christ to all who knew her. She grew up in the Park View area and attended schools there. She was the youngest of five daughters born to John Esley Kurtz and Elizabeth Lehman Kurtz.

In 1951, she married Raymond Himes of North Canton, and they had five children, born in three different states as Ray pastored churches and worked as a mason contractor. He preceded her in death in 1985.

Edith's greatest love was home and family and was the place she wanted to be. After Ray's early death, she studied antique china restoration and worked many years in her home for various antiques dealers. She was an avid tennis player and enjoyed playing into her 80s.

Surviving are a sister, Betty Viola Deputy (married to Byard "Doc" Deputy); a sister-in-law, Evelyn Moore (married to the late Lawrence Moore) and a sister-in-law, Kathryn Himes (married to the late Paul Himes). Also preceding her in death on Ray's side was the late Jerry Himes (married to the late Marilyn Himes).

Her oldest sister, Rose Mae Mullet, went to be with the Lord later on the same day as Edith. She is survived by her husband, Keith Mullet. Also preceding her in death are her parents and sisters, Mary Landis (married to the late Paul Landis) and Ruth Hobbs (married to the late Cletus Hobbs).

Her children, all living, are Danny Himes (wife Deborah) with their children, Christopher, Luke and Rachel; Ronald Himes (wife Penelope) with their children, Kristin, Shawna and Joshua; Dennis Himes (wife Cindy) and their son, Cody; Carol Himes Hakey; Byron "Scott" Himes (wife Tammy) with their children, Cassandra, Hesus, GiaVanni, Nautica and Jadin.

Edith was a member of Harrisonburg Mennonite Church, 1522 S. High St., and services will be held there on Wednesday, Jan. 25 at 11 a.m., with pastors Mark Keller, Craig Maven and Jonathan Lee officiating. There will be an informal time of fellowship and visiting from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to the services.

Burial will be in Sonnenburg Mennonite Church Cemetery, 14367 Hackett Road on Friday, Jan. 27. There will be an informal time of fellowship and visitation at 10 a.m. prior to a short service at 11 a.m. Lunch will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Christian Aid Ministries, P.O. Box 360, Berlin 44610.

Spidell Funeral Home in Mount Eaton is handling local arrangements.