Edith Clark Padget

Edith Elizabeth Clark Padget, 97, passed away Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Saluda Nursing Center.

Mrs. Padget was born on July 5, 1927, to the late Harry M. and Ruth Rosencutter Clark in Manhattan, Kansas. She graduated from Manhattan High School in 1944 and in 1949 became the wife of Sgt. James Benjamin Padget of Saluda, SC. As an Army wife and a mother, she learned to pack up and go many times. They were stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, Schofield Barracks, Honolulu, Hawaii, Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, Fort Clayton and Fort Kobbe, Panama Canal Zone, and Fort Lee, Virginia. They moved their family to Saluda, South Carolina when Sgt. Padget was assigned to a tour of duty in Korea in 1964-1965. While in Saluda, Edith worked in the Saluda County Clerk of Court Office. Upon Sgt. Padget's return, he was assigned to Fort Jackson, South Carolina. The family remained in Saluda, and together they made Saluda their permanent home. Mrs. Padget was elected Saluda County Clerk of Court in 1971 and retired in 1989. She has served actively in many state, civic, and church duties. Mrs. Padget was a member of Red Bank Baptist Church in Saluda where she served as Sunday School teacher at the church and at the Saluda Nursing Center, leader in WMU, Discipleship Training, Children's Missions, as well as working in the Ridge Baptist Association. She served two terms on the South Carolina WMU Executive Board.

Mrs. Padget loved spending time with her grandchildren, especially baking cookies together. She also had a passion for gardening and reading, and she found great peace and happiness at the beach.

Her passion and enthusiasm for learning never stopped. After retiring, she served as a tutor for ESL adults. Always an avid reader, she continued to read until the last few months of her life.

Surviving are two sons, Joe Padget (Debbie) of Saluda and Rick Padget (Barbara) of Lexington, a daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Padget of Columbia and two sisters-in-laws, Leslie Clark of Freemont, California and Lou Padget of Montgomery, Alabama, , twelve grandchildren, Chuck Padget (Kelly), Buddy Kidd, Robin Bledsoe, Tamela Terrell, Anna Crocker (Dan), Adam Padget (Emilee), Emily Applegate (Kyle), Bill Padget (Jessie), Ben Padget (Sarah), Sue Schreiber (Paul, Jr.), Allie Shealy (Trey) and Erin Youngblood (Matt), nineteen great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mrs. Padget was preceded in death by her husband, three sons, Jim Padget (Jean), Gene Padget, Geri Padget, a grandson, Robert Padget, a sister, Betty June Clark, and two brothers, Charles Clark and John Clark.

The family would like to extend special thanks and gratitude to the staff at The Legacy of Lexington (assisted living), The Heart of Hospice, the Saluda Nursing Center and Dr. Ralph Riley for their loving care and compassion.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Red Bank Baptist Church with Rev. Jonathon Deal and Rev. Trey Shealy officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church. The interment will be a private family service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Red Bank Baptist Church, 309 E. Church Street, Saluda, SC 29138 or to the charity of one's choice.

Please share your memories and condolences online at www.rameyfuneralhome.com.