Birth date: May 14, 1921 Death date: May 20, 2021
Edith Hillegonds Leland was born on May 14, 1921 in Dubuque, Iowa, and then spent her childhood in Glenwood, Illinois. As a young woman, she chose John 3:30 as her life verse – “He [Jesus] must increase, but I must decrease.” Edi Read Obituary
My memories of Edith involved her dedication to a life of prayer. She was a faithful Prayer Warrior for everyone in our church. She had a calmness about her and a sweetness. No doubt the Lord gave her abundant faith and a peace that comes from trusting Our Savior. Edith was a role model for me in my early days a Believer in Christ and a young mom. There is such joy knowing she has entered eternal life with God.
Edith has been such a dear friend across the miles. She adopted our family years ago as she had a special heart for those serving overseas in ministry. She prayed for us, especially our three kids, communicated regularly with me via email and encouraged us. Whenever we were in town, we made it a priority to spend time with her. Our last time in Colorado (Fall 2019), we spent three to four hours together just sharing stories of God’s goodness and what He had been teaching us in our lives lately. We were concerned that we would tire her out being with her for so long, but she insisted this was exactly what she needed too so we just treasured the time. Many of the stories shared during her memorial service were familiar to us and precious. But one thing I absolutely loved about Edith was her desire to be faithful to the very end. She continued to lead a weekly Bible study there in her assisted living community so long as she was well. When she wasn’t able to go out, she said that her room was her sanctuary, filled with God’s Presence. And she made certain to let all the staff know that what they felt as “something different” about her room was the fact that Jesus was in it! I have been blessed beyond belief to get to know this woman of God and long to follow the Lord as she did for as long as I have breath.
I look forward to seeing you again soon, Edith! I know you are delighting in God’s Presence even now.
~Michelle (for our entire family)
Edith has ben our prayer warrior for many years. Our children have often asked us to contact Edith whenever they had a problem. Edith has strengthened my faith with Jesus for many years . She used to tell me when God built our homes she hoped He would build mine next to hers!!
We spent many Christmases with Edith. We would always exchange a small gift. She always made fudge for my husband that she’d place in a check box. We expected it and looked forward to it every year. She once gave me a trivet to place a hot iron on from her collection. It is one of my most prized possessions.
She emailed my husband and I on our birthdays and would constantly ask about our lives and our children. Her kindness and generosity was so altruistic. I will always remember her as a beautiful soul.
Edith was such a faithful loving friend to us for so many years at Mission Hills and in our Challengers class and the years following. We have never know a kinder more sincere fellow believer in our lives than Edith. Even in these last years in the assisted living home she never failed to call Frankie assuring us that she was praying for us. Her cheerfulness under any circumstance amazed us and sometimes shamed us for our own negative attitude. Her bright mind and knowledge of God's word was always encouraging everyone she was around. What a wonderful testimony she had and shared so sweetly with any and everyone.
We will miss you Edith and look forward to our reunion in heaven!
Frankie and Bob Babcock
I met Edith through a Bible study at Mission Hills Church, about the same time as I lost my Grandmother. During Bible study prayer requests, she started praying for our family and she would always ask me for updates. Through the years we became friends and when I learned she lived only 5 minutes from us, I began to stop by to visit and take her food and dessert. She became very dear to me. For a couple years, we would pray together about once a month. When she moved into assisted living, I didn't see her quite as often because she was farther away. But I always made a point of stopping by or calling her. I have missed seeing her in person through Covid.
I will always cherish her friendship and prayers for me and my family. She has impacted our lives for eternity. I love her dearly and appreciate the time I had with her. As she always said, "bye, for now." I will see you in eternity with our Savior!
When I was a young boy at Richland Bible Fellowship church Edith asked me to mow her grass and once a month or so trim the hedges. We would chat and before long I was the recipient of many years of faithful prayer from Edith. Through Air Force Academy, flying in combat, and other difficult times it gave me great comfort to know she prayed so faithfully for me. I got to have one last lunch with her in 2019 and I’m forever grateful. RIP friend and Thank you for your example!
It was during my childhood that I knew Edith ("Mrs. Leland", as my brother and I would say). She lived in our neighborhood and would periodically have our family over for some of her amazing Lemon Meringue pie. Incidentally, this was my introduction to the Lemon Meringue pie and to this day I have never found its equal. Though admittedly my fondness for her pie is likely due in part to the beautiful spirit that attended the making of it.
As I child, I carefully observed the many conversations between Edith and the adults around me. I was always struck by her incredible humility and gentleness in spirit. Furthermore, she was one of the few people in the world that would promise to pray for you -- and faithfully follow through with that promise. For Edith, prayers were a serious, powerful business -- not something to be tossed about like "best wishes" or "good thoughts". This made such a remarkable impression on me at such a young age.
I am tremendously grateful for Edith's life and ministry to others. May she be ever blessed for her faithfulness while walking upon this earth.
My prayers are with those who walk in her footsteps. Blessings.
