Obituaries
2
trees
planted in memory of Edith Ellen Massey
Obituary for Edith Ellen Massey
EDITH ELLEN (ANDERSON) MASSEY, 99, of Prophetstown, IL, passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at Allure of Prophetstown.
Her funeral service will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, December 1, 2023, at the Morrison United Methodist Church, officiated by Pastor Sun-Ah Kang, with visitation starting at 10:30 am until the time of the service. A desert luncheon will be held immediately following the funeral service, and then at 3:00 p.m. the interment will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Prophetstown, IL. The Bosma-Gibson Funeral Home in Prophetstown, IL 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 the 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, IL, 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 went on to teach for 28 years at the Fenton Consolidated School in the Erie School District for 28 years before retiring in 1989. Throughout her teaching career, she also enjoyed being able to substitute teach in Prophetstown and several rural schools in the area and she belonged 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 the 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 had enjoyed ballroom dancing - attending the events at the Fairyland Ballroom in Dewitt, IA. 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, IL; son Gary (Bonnie) Massey of Rockford, IL; 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.
To plant a tree in memory of Edith Ellen Massey, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
Friday
1
Dec
10:30 AM
- 12:00 PM
Morrison United Methodist Church
200 W. Lincolnway
Morrison, IL 61270
Service
Friday
1
Dec
12:00 PM
Morrison United Methodist Church
200 W. Lincolnway
Morrison, IL 61270
A desert luncheon will immediately follow the funeral service. Graveside service will be at 3:00 p.m.
Cemetery Details
Location
Riverside Cemetery (Prophetstown)
300 E. 3rd Street
Prophetstown, IL 61277
Loading...