Edythe Klassen Eymann

Edythe Klassen Eymann was born on December 17, 1921, in Hillsboro, Ks., and died on Sunday October 4, 2009, in Reedley. Ca. which she called home since the age of 16. Edythe was the second of four daughters born to Henry Klassen and Katie "Tina" Kroeker Klassen.

Edythe married Ralph E. Eymann in 1941 and they had two sons and two daughters. She graduated from Reedley High School, Reedley College and Fresno State College where she earned a master's degree. At the age of 54. she earned a doctor of education degree from the University of the Pacific.

She worked for the Kings Canyon Unified School District as a teacher and a psychologist, and for the Tulare County Schools as a supervisor of special education. She also taught at Fresno Pacific College.

She was an award-winning craftsman. Her many skills included sewing, knitting, tatting, crocheting, quilting and doll making. She donated many hand-made items as raffle prizes for non-profit organizations. Edythe was an extraordinary typist and won a California state typing contest at the age of 16. Her daughter, Judy, encouraged her to leave a written legacy of her life. Shortly before her death, she hand wrote and then transcribed her memoirs into a computer.

She is preceded in death by her parents; one sister, Hazel Frey; husband, Ralph Eymann, Sr.; son, Ralph Eymann, Jr.; and grand-niece Cynthia Vidak Haley.

She is survived by her sisters, Ethel Harder and Georgianna and Jack Hofstetter; children and their spouses, Judy Eymann-Taylor and John Taylor of Clovis, Laurie Olvera of Clovis, Steven and April Eymann of Roseville; daughter-in-law, Gwen Eymann and her husband Wally Holtan of Grass Valley; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Andrew and Jeannie Milne, Connor, Nicolaus and Lauren Milne, Travis Boehm, Ronnie and Christian Hamett, Stacey and Oscar Pizarro, Robert, Danielle and Nicole, Jonah Smeds and Stephen, Jane and Paul Quebe and Olivia, Katrina and David Maynez, Victoria, Jennifer and Mariah, John (Eymann) Hall and his brothers, Steven and David Hall, Anna and David McCollough, Zachary and Abigail, Lesley and Tony Gates, Madeline and Morgan, Jacob and Jennifer Eymann, Emily, Hudson, Hunter and Eric, Erin and Matthew Koht and Michael, Corey and Annie Taylor, Daniel Taylor, and Jillian Eymann. Also, dear friends Filomeno and Virginia Cruz, Kenneth and Donna, Angel and Camerina de la Rosa, Jasmine and Margarita; and many extended family members. A Memorial Service will be held at First Mennonite Church, in Reedley. Ca., Saturday, October 24, 2009, at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Edythe's name to: Sierra View Homes Auxiliary, 1155 Springfield, Reedley, Ca., 93654; Mennonite Central Committee, 1010 G St., Reedley Ca., 93654; Reedley Marjaree Mason Center, P.O. Box 1307, Reedley, Ca., 93654; or Terry's House, Community Medical Foundation, 126 Fresno St., Fresno, Ca., 93701.

CAIRNS FUNERAL HOME 940 'F' Street Reedley, Ca. (559)638-2233