Eda Kolbert

Eda, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 29, 2009. She was an energetic, caring, and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She was loved by all that knew her and will be deeply missed. She was born in Fresno, and graduated from Edison Technical School where she was nominated by her class to represent Edison as beauty queen on Armistice Day Royalty parade. She loved to dance, and did so at the Rainbow Ballroom for many years. In her early days, she accompanied her father in his cattle buying ventures and worked for the early downtown landmarks, such as Warner's Jewelers. Some of her most rewarding work was with the Fresno Unified School District food service program where she made many lifelong friends. She was a member of the German Historical Society and gave countless volunteer hours as a Pink Lady at Fresno Community Hospital and The Cross Church making beerocks to raise money for the church building fund. She was a skilled bowler, accumulating many trophies while participating in several local leagues. Even into her early eighties, she continued on a team, winning her last league championship at age 81. The family thanks Dr. Peter Whittlinger and his staff for their skillful and compassionate care, and the dedicated and loving staff at the Fairwinds Retirement Community. In addition, two very special friends, Carol from Home Instead and Patricia both shared a wonderful special friendship with Eda. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles M. Kolbert. She is survived by her children, Carolyn and her husband Bob, Chuck and his wife Peggy, and Robert; grandson Matthew and his wife Sybil; and great-grandchildren Ashlyn, Emilia and Owen. A Graveside Service will be held at Veteran's Liberty Cemetery, 1831 W. Belmont, on Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. A Memorial Service celebrating her life will follow at Bethany Mennonite Brethern Church, 9161 N. Maple, at 2:30 p.m. Remembrances in lieu of flowers may be made to Valley Caregivers Resource Group-OASIS, 3845 N. Clark Ave., Suite 201, Fresno, Ca., 93726. STEPHENS & BEAN CHAPEL 202 North Teilman Avenue Fresno, Ca. (559)268-9292