Edith Anna Easterly, 98, of Springfield, MO was called home to be with her Lord and Savior on her birthday, April 29, 2013. What a blessed gift! She was born April 29, 1915 in Chester, IL to Anna and Augusta Smith. In 1938 Edith married her high school sweetheart, Owen Easterly, of Chester, IL, and they lived in St. Louis, MO where Owen was employed. Two daughters, Jody and Susan, blessed this union. Edith and Owen shared 46 years of marriage. Edith was a wonderful mother and homemaker who always put her family first. She did volunteer work, was active in her church throughout her life and was a prayer warrior. Mom embodied a combination of strength, determination, quick wit and compassion and grace. She was a member of South Haven Baptist Church. Edith was preceded in death by her 11 year old sister, Marie Smith, husband, Owen Easterly, an older sister, Harriet Reis of St. Louis, MO, and her son-in-law, Ted Benson of Springfield, MO. Left behind to cherish her memory are her two daughters, Jody Benson, and Susan and husband, Mike Keator, and a special niece, Carol and husband Paul Brauner of St. Louis, MO. She is also survived by 11 wonderful grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson. The family would like to express a special "thank you" for the compassionate care given by the entire staff at The Baptist Home in Ozark, MO where mother resided for the past three years and to the members of the Hospice Compassus team for their care during mom's final days. No visitation is planned per mom's request. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 10:00am at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home with Pastor Ryan Palmer officiating. Private burial will follow at Hazelwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Missouri Baptist Children's Home, Mt. Vernon, MO.