I, Edith L. McDowell was born on September 13th, 1910 in Halfway, Oregon.
To My Dearest Family And Friends,
There are some things I’d like to say, but first let me assure you that I arrived okay. I’m writing this from Heaven where I’m here with God above, And where there’s no more tears or sadness, just eternal love. Please do not be sad because I’m out of sight. Remember that I’m with you morning, noon and night. That day I had to leave you, when my life on earth was through, God picked me up, hugged me and said, “I Welcome You.”
Then God gave me a list of things he wanted me to do. And, foremost on that list of mine is to watch and care for you. When you think of my life and all those long – long years, because you’re only human, you might be brought to tears. Please do not be afraid to cry for it helps relieve the pain. There would not be flowers except for God’s sweet rain.
It has been always my belief and I’d like it for you too, that as you give unto the World, so the World will give to you. If you can help someone who has sorrow or is in pain, then you can say to God at night “my day was not in vain.” And now I am contented as my life it was worthwhile, Knowing as I passed along I made someone smile. And when it’s time for you to go from your body to be free, remember you are not going; you are coming to be with me.
On March 14th, the good Lord decided it was time for me to come home. I have lived to be a very old woman with a life rich in love and experiences. I leave with no regrets.
Preceding me in death: my loving husband, Frank McDowell, my brothers, Joe, Ray, Tom, Walt, Johnny, Avan Buchanan, my sister Edna Robertson and many nieces and nephews.
I am survived by: my daughter Karol Lynn (John) Peterson, Leavenworth, Wa., grandchildren, Danelle (Matt) Hall, Denton, Tx., Scott (Ann) Peterson, Stanwood, Wa., Sandy Ericksen, Marysville, Wa., Kerri (Scott) MacDonald, Seattle, Wa., great grandsons, Bryan and Brenden, the light of my eye, my great granddaughter, Natalie, and many nephews and nieces.
There will be a graveside service on May 28th at 1:00 p.m. at the Halfway cemetery followed by a celebration of life at the Whiteley residence. To Mom: Thank you for being just who you were. I miss you so much – love, Karol to Grandma: Thank you for loving me so very much. I will miss you so very much – love, Danelle to Grandma: Thank you for all the memories you’ve given me. I love you and miss you – love, Scott To Great Grandma: thanks for the cookies – love, Natalie.
Used with permission from: The Record Courier, Baker City, Oregon, March, 2005
Transcribed by: Belva Ticknor