Edith Birdsill

Edith I. (Hein) Birdsill

Edith Irene Birdsill, 90, passed away Tuesday morning, March 21, 2023 at her home in Guymon, Oklahoma.

The daughter of Magdelena (Keller) and Peter Joseph Hein, she was born March 2, 1933 in Grainfield, Kansas. Her family moved to Colorado in 1935 where she spent her early years in Longmont, Colorado.

She was united in marriage to Robert (Bob) Birdsill on December 30, 1950. Bob and Edith ventured to California in 1954 with their first three children. While in California they extended their family, having nine more children. Along with being a homemaker and mother to twelve children, Edith had enough love to open her arms to a foster child.

The Birdsill family moved to Guymon, Oklahoma in August of 1974 with their seven youngest children. Through the many years in Guymon, Oklahoma, Edith worked as a nurse aid at Memorial Hospital in the maternity ward, then working as a manager for Pizza Hut where several of her children also ended up being employed. Later after years of donating her time as church secretary, Edith became the full time employed secretary of Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic Church for many years. Her last venture before retirement was working along side of her husband, Bob, as secretary/bookkeeper for their jointly owned business, Midwest Machine and Welding.

Edith was devoted to her church by serving as eucharistic minister, lecture and marriage counseling to newly engaged couples. She was also a member of the Alter Society for many years. Edith was a woman of great faith, devoted wife, mother and grandmother.

Survivors include six daughters: Judy and husband Don Masse, Vicki and husband Dr. Kenneth Stelzer and Carla Huckins all of Guymon, Oklahoma, Chris Poterbin of Lawrence, Kansas, Karen Smith of Hutchinson, Kansas and Laurie Morris of Omaha, Nebraska, three Sons: Mike Birdsill of Chico California, Ken Birdsill of Windsor, New York and Larry Birdsill of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Edith is also survived by her foster son, John Alvarado of Palmdale, California. Edith is survived by four sisters and three brothers as well as thirty-two grandchildren, forty great grandchildren, five great-great grandchildren and multiple nieces and nephews. Edith was preceded in death by her parents, husband Robert Birdsill, sons Steve Birdsill, Robby Birdsill, and Tim Birdsill. Also preceding her were grandsons Donald Masse, Jeffrey Martire and great-grandson, Matthew Martire as well as son-in-law’s Philip Smith and Kenny Huckins. She is also preceded in death by two sisters and two brothers.

Visitation will be held at Henson-Novak Funeral Home in Guymon, Oklahoma from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Sunday, March 26, 2023.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 27 th at 10:30 am at Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic Church located in Guymon, Oklahoma with Reverend Christopher Brashears officiating.

Interment will follow in Elmhurst Cemetery under the direction of Henson-Novak Funeral Directors of Guymon.

Memorials may be given to Saint Peter the Apostle Catholic Church or Loaves and Fishes c/o Henson-Novak Funeral Home, P.O. Box 1306, Guymon, OK 73942.

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