Edith Lillian Atkinson Wylie, 107
Edith Lillian Atkinson Wylie, 107, gracefully passed away on Oct. 1, 2019, leaving her family and beloved friends with extraordinary memories and stories to cherish. A witty and gracious role model, Edith’s kindness and eagerness to embrace all who crossed her path will forever be the hallmark of goodwill. Edith’s 107 years of life evolved as the world progressed: from riding in a horse and buggy to riding in a self-driving Tesla automobile, from reading a newspaper to starting a Facebook page at age 93 and getting her news online; Edith embraced change as an opportunity to learn anew.
Edith cherished her friends young and old. Upon telling her doctor that she was losing all her contemporaries, her doctor suggested that she get younger ones — which she did — and they remained close to her even as she neared death. Edith had a special fondness for children, dogs and hummingbirds; those creatures that reached out to her with abandon were undoubtedly met with enthusiasm and warmth in return.
Born in Havre on July 28, 1912, Edith graduated from the University of Montana in 1934 and obtained her first teaching job in a one-room schoolhouse in the town where she was born. Edith taught in the Havre school district for over 20 years and as a testament to the impression she made on others’ lives, three students from her fourth-grade class attended her 107th birthday party.
Edith Atkinson married Robert “Gus” Wylie on 1936 and they spent the next 51 years together working in national parks and public school settings before retiring to Bigfork and spending their summers on Flathead Lake.
Edith was an active member of PEO, the Methodist Church (Bigfork) and was previously a member of the Lake County Lions Club and a volunteer at the Bigfork Cultural Center.
Edith was preceded in death by her husband Robert “Gus” Wylie, her daughter Virginia “Ginny” Wylie and her son-in-law Larry Krummel.
Edith is survived by her son Mac Wylie (Mitzie) and her daughter Marian Krummel, as well as her grandchildren Libby Timmons (Scott), Carrie Schuler (Paul), Sarah Krummel and Suzie Migneault (Jeff). She is also survived by her nephew Harry Hyatt and grandnephew Chris Hyatt (Jennifer). She cherished her great-grandchildren, great-grandnephews and niece and is survived by them and her many friends who touched her heart.
It was a blessing to all that knew her to be in her presence.
Services will be held at 1 p.m. on Nov. 9 at the Methodist Church, Bigfork, with a reception following at Rising Mountains Assisted Living.
Friends are encouraged to visit the website www.buffalohillfh.com to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family.