Edith "Edie" Messerschmidt

Edith "Edie" Messerschmidt, 77, of Barnesville, unexpectedly passed away Sunday, Aug. 9.

Born Aug. 8, 1943, in Coaldale, Edie was a daughter of the late Benjamin Godshall and Ruth Stewart Godshall.

Edie attended Susquehanna University for her undergraduate degree and earned a master's of education from Lehigh University. Edie spent decades as a reading specialist at Hazleton Area School District. She also spent years as a pianist and teacher at Grier City Union Sunday School. Edie was part owner of White Birch Golf Course, which was founded by her father and her uncle, John Godshall, in 1963.

She was preceded in death by her husband, William I. Messerschmidt, and her son, Duane O. Messerschmidt.

Edie is survived by two sons, Michael W. Messerschmidt, of New Tripoli, and William B. Messerschmidt, of Barnesville; six grandchildren, Jacque Miller, of Havelock, N.C., David Messerschmidt, of Port Carbon, Shanna Messerschmidt, of Orwigsburg, Dylan Messerschmidt, of St. David's, Sumer Messerschmidt, of Philadelphia, and Bryana Messerschmidt, of Orwigsburg. Edie is also survived by three great-grandchildren and by a brother, B. Wayne Godshall, of Barnesville

A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at United Church of Christ, Barnesville. Coffee and refreshments will follow the service at Grier City Union Sunday School. In lieu of flowers, monetary contributions can be given to either of Edie's two favorite causes, Grier City Union Sunday School (Checks can be mailed to Georgine Clemens, 10 Ben Titus Road, Tamaqua, PA 18252) or Hillside SPCA, 51 SPCA Road, Pottsville, PA 17901. Lamar Christ Funeral Home has charge.