Edith Virginia Barto

Edith Virginia Watkins Barto, affectionately known as Edith to her friends and family, embarked on her final journey on February 6, 2026, after a brave battle with a long illness. Born on March 22, 1943, Edith's life was a tapestry of love, selflessness, and gentle kindness that brightened the lives of all who knew her.

Edith's story began in the heart of Grafton, where she attended Grafton High School and cultivated a passion for creating beauty that would last a lifetime. She was a phenomenal seamstress, known for her meticulous handiwork that graced everything from spirited cheerleading uniforms to the most elegant wedding gowns and whimsical doll clothes. Her talent was not just a profession but a gift she generously shared with her family, friends, and neighbors.

Edith's hands, always busy, found joy in the earth as she tended to her garden, nurturing life with the same care and attention she gave to everything she touched. The fruits of her labor were not only found in the vibrant blooms and bountiful harvests but also in the jars of preserves that captured the essence of summer for all to savor. She enticed many hummingbirds to her home each year. Each fluttering visitor was a reminder of the beauty and transience of life, which she cherished deeply.

Edith's love story with her late husband of 64 years, Paul Barto, was one for the ages. Together, they were a team, with Edith supporting Paul's garage projects with the same enthusiasm and dedication that she put into her own passions. Their partnership was a testament to mutual support and unwavering companionship.

In her role as a matriarch, Edith was a beacon of love for her family. While her heart ached for those who predeceased her, including her spouse Paul, parents Leo and Violet Watkins, daughter Brenda (John) Haas, brothers Robert and Roy Dale Watkins, and sisters Helen Boylen and Ruby Jean Tucker, she remained a pillar of strength for those she left behind. Her legacy continues through her surviving children, Penny (Nick) Kormylo, Sandra (Paul) Kokoska, and Mark (Christy) Barto; her brothers, Richard and Charles Watkins; her sister, Patty (Bill) Wolfe; and the generations of grandchildren and great-grandchildren who were her pride and joy.

Edith's love extended beyond the confines of her home, touching the lives of her neighbors and the countless children she babysat, including her cherished grandchildren, great-nieces and great-nephews. She was the embodiment of a guardian angel on Earth, always there with a helping hand and a warm embrace.

The words that best describe Edith-loving, selfless, and gentle-are more than mere adjectives; they are the principles by which she lived every day. Her legacy is not one of material possessions but of the love she infused into the world. Edith's story is a reminder that the richest lives are those spent in the service of others, with every stitch sewn, every seed planted, and every life touched being a testament to a life well-lived.

Today, as we celebrate Edith's journey, let us hold onto the lessons she imparted through her example. Let us weave kindness into the fabric of our lives, cultivate love that endures all seasons, and build communities that thrive on the spirit of giving. Edith Virginia Watkins Barto's life was a masterpiece of compassion, and her memory will continue to inspire and motivate all who had the privilege to know her.

In the words of Emily Dickinson, "Unable are the loved to die, for love is immortality." Edith's love will forever remain in our hearts, and her legacy will continue to inspire us. We invite you to share your memories and upload photos of Edith on the memorial page, as we remember and celebrate her extraordinary life.

At her request, no services are planned.

Smith Funeral & Cremation Care and SFCC Crematory of Westover (304-292-9494) is providing compassionate professional services to the family.

Condolences and other gifts of comfort may be offered at www.smithfcc.com.