Edith Mae Nolen

Edith Mae Gresham Nolen was born at
home in Cleburne County, Arkansas, on
Sept. 18, 1916, to Robert Franklin and
Anna Stacy Gresham. She was one of
seven children born to her parents. She left this life
for a new one on Aug. 28, 2013.

Edith’s childhood years were spent in Arkansas and
she was a great help to her father and brothers, working
hard, picking cotton on the farm, gardening and
doing many other outside chores. She was known for
her flower gardens in later years.

She met the love of her life, Elvin Nolen, when she
was in first grade. They attended the same small
school and their families were friends. She believed
God had always planned for her to marry Elvin.

In 1936 Edith’s family moved to Atwater, Calif., and
she graduated from Merced High School.

During the Great Depression, Elvin came to California
with the Civilian Conservation Corp and looked
up his love, Edith. They were married on March 11,
1938, in Atwater. Edith was a great helpmate for Elvin.
She worked by his side on his many building projects,
and in later years together they raised cows and
horses on their 10 acre ranch. They lived in Modesto
from 1948 until 2010, when they moved to College
Place to be near family.

Edith and Elvin had two children, Duane Louis and
Anna Fern.

Edith was a wonderful mother, contributing many
positive things to her children’s lives. She was a Cub
Scout and Brownie Scout leader, room mother and
P.T.A. officer. She taught Sunday school and Bible
school and skills such as cooking, sewing and finances.
She was generous with love and nurturing.

She was famous for her delicious pies. She bought
fruit and vegetables in large quantities when they
were in season, and canned or froze them to have all
year. She always had homemade pies in the freezer to
put in the oven when guests came to her home. She
was a welcoming hostess, who was happy to have people
over for meals and as house guests for extended
periods of time. Although she was primarily a homemaker,
Edith worked outside the home periodically to
help with the finances.

Edith served in many capacities over the years for
her church. Even in her senior years she managed
the nursery department and served on committees
for dinners at North Modesto Church of God.

Edith had a quick wit and good sense of humor. She
could always see the good in things. When other people
were discouraged and difficulties came, she was
the encourager. She believed in the power of prayer.

Edith was preceded in death by her husband of 74
years on April 26, 2012; three brothers, Charlie, Lynn
and Ray Gresham; and three sisters, Thelma Gresham,
Lucille Houser and Ola Swinger. She is survived
by a son, Duane (Lisa) Nolen; and a daughter, Anna
(Bob) Rea; grandchildren, Barry Nolen, Brad (Teresa)
Nolen, Bryan Nolen, Lance Rea and Cara Rea (Bob)
Grimm; and great-grandchildren, Trevor, Jacob and
Baker Nolen, Autumn, Olivia and Emma Rea, and
Thad, Moriah and Landon Grimm. She also leaves
behind many dearly loved nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held Friday, Sept. 20,
2013, at 2 p.m. at Mountain View Cemetery, 2120 S.
2nd Ave., Walla Walla, with Pastor Bob Grimm officiating.
Memorial contributions can be made in her
honor to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Family and friends are invited to sign the online
guestbook at www.herringgroseclose.com.