Edith E. King

Edith Elizabeth Birky King, 87, of Goshen passed into the arms of her loving creator in the early hours of Friday, April 28, 2017.

She is survived by her husband of 64 years, John C King; five children, Arlan (Brenda) King of Phoenix, Arizona, Julie (Paul) Keim of Goshen and currently living in Germany, Emily (Adrian) Jantzi of Prescott Valley, Arizona, Susan King of Ephrata, Pennsylvania and John W. “Tony” (Marsha) King of Goshen; 10 grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and two siblings, Marjorie Liechty and Eldon (Jan) Birky.

She was preceded in death by her parents and a sister, Delilah Stamm.

Edith was born Jan. 29, 1930 to Alvin and Lizzie (Heiser) Birky in Fisher, Illinois.  She grew up on a small farm in rural Ilinois and spoke often of her younger years in the country.  It was during those years that she taught herself how to play the piano and enjoyed a lifetime of playing hymns and singing around the piano.  She entertained many Greencroft residents with her music.  She also learned to paint with oils and acrylics and painted many garden rocks showcasing beautiful nature and spiritual messages.

Edith graduated from high school in 1948 and attended one year at Hesston College where she met her future husband over ping pong.  (She won!)  She married John C. King on August 15, 1952.  They served together in the ministry for 50 years in various churches in Ohio, Indiana and Nebraska.  In later years she returned to school to study early childhood development and while living in Nappanee started and directed the pre-school at North Main Street Mennonite Church.  After retiring they moved to Goshen and eventually to Greencroft.

Friends may call Thursday, May 4, 2017 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Waterford Mennonite Church.  A memorial service will take place on Friday, May 5, 2017 at 10 a.m. also at Waterford Church. Burial will follow the service at Violett Cemetery, Goshen.  A fellowship meal will be served.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the International Student Fund at Goshen College.