Her funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Friday, December 1, 2023, at Morrison United Methodist Church, officiated by Pastor Sun-Ah Kang, with visitation starting at 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service. A luncheon will follow the funeral service, and at 3:00 p.m., the interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Prophetstown, Illinois. Bosma-Gibson Funeral Home in Prophetstown is handling arrangements. A memorial has been established in her honor, in lieu of flowers.
Edith was born on January 8, 1924, in Prophetstown, to Elmer J. and Hilda E. (Johnson) Anderson. She was educated in Prophetstown Grade Schools, graduating from 8th grade in 1937, receiving the American Legion School Award. She continued her education at Prophetstown High School, graduating as Valedictorian in 1941 and earning the DAR Good Citizenship Award. Edith pursued higher education at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois, graduating in 1943. She furthered her studies at Marycrest College in Davenport, earning her BA degree in 1974, and completed graduate studies at Northern Illinois and Western Illinois Universities. On October 20, 1946, Edith married John Hall Massey at Prophetstown United Methodist Church. John passed away on December 21, 2020.
Edith dedicated over 35 years to teaching, impacting the lives of students at Peoria Heights Grade School, West Hume School, and Round Grove School. She taught for 28 years at Fenton Consolidated School in the Erie School District before retiring in 1989. Throughout her teaching career, she also enjoyed substitute teaching in Prophetstown and several rural schools in the area, belonging to many Teacher Education Associations.
In her younger years, Edith participated in 4-H, was a Girl Scout, and engaged in church groups. She was an active member of Morrison United Methodist Church, contributing to various committees, including the Administrative Council, Mission Committees, Vacation Bible School, and Building Committee. She was a lay member of the Northern Illinois Conference for 30 years and taught Sunday School for 25 years. During her time at Allure, she served as President of the residents for several years.
In her leisure time, she and John enjoyed ballroom dancing, attending events at Fairyland Ballroom in Dewitt, Iowa. Her hobbies included sewing, needlework, cooking, baking, playing cards, painting, camping, traveling, and puzzles. Occasionally, she could be found catching sports games on TV and watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune. Edith cherished moments with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughter Cynthia (Larry) Tessendorf of Chadwick, Illinois; son Gary (Bonnie) Massey of Rockford, Illinois; three grandchildren, John (Teri Turner) Tessendorf, Kevin Tessendorf, Lisa Marie (Josh) Zimmerman; five great-grandchildren, Abigail (Kyle) Betourne, Syndi Tessendorf, Scarlett Tessendorf, Emery Zimmerman, and Geo Zimmerman.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; three brothers: Robert (Shirley) Anderson, Clarence (Eilien) Anderson, and James (Mary) Anderson.
