Edith M. McDonald

Edith Marie McDonald, 95, passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2026. She was born March 9, 1930, in Ravenna, Michigan, to George and Margaret (Doane) Gillhespy. She grew up on the family farm on Squires Road, attended the Hoogstrat School, and graduated from Ravenna High School in 1948.

On June 18, 1948, she married Al Wiltenburg, and together they raised their four children on Harrisburg Road. Al preceded her in death on December 9, 1984. Edith later married George McDonald on April 9, 1986; he also preceded her in death on July 29, 2002.

Edith worked at Lachman's Department Store and Camps Pharmacy in Ravenna. She had a gift for conversation and loved visiting with people, often sharing stories from years gone by. For the past nine years, she made her home at the Tibbet House, where she could often be found sitting on the porch, waving to passersby and chatting with anyone who stopped to visit.

She treasured time spent in Brethren, Michigan, at the family cabin with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Edith and George formed many lifelong friendships during their years up north. Her grandchildren lovingly joked about her cooking skills, their adventures searching for waterfalls, and the many times they got turned around trying to find their way from place to place - memories that will be cherished forever.

SURVIVORS include four children, Ernie Wiltenburg of Coopersville, Daniel Wiltenburg of Ravenna, Helene Irwin of Ravenna, and Cindy Kass of Ravenna; 10 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 9 great-great-grandchildren; brother, George (Susan) Gillhespy of Sparta; sister, Grace Hilt of Dorr, Michigan; and several nieces and nephews. She was also preceded in death by her parents; daughters-in-law, Elaine and Tina Wiltenburg; sons-in-law, William Irwin and Greg Kass; and sister, Ruby Gentz.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone at Tibbet House Elder Care in Ravenna and Fountain View in Coopersville for the compassionate care they provided to Edith over the past several years.

SERVICES for Edith will be held 2:00 PM on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at The Ravenna Chapel of Sytsema Funeral and Cremation Services, 3570 Thomas St., Ravenna, MI 49451 (231) 853-6511. VISITATION with the family will take place one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place in the Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery – Conklin.

MEMORIALS to the Trinity Lutheran Church and School - Conklin will be appreciated. Share memories with the family at their online Guest Book at https://www.sytsemafh.com