Edith L. Claassen Obituary (1920 - 2019)

Edith L. Claassen, 98 years of age, joined her heavenly family on July 21, 2019. She was born on December 8, 1920 to Emil C. and Martha (Henning) George near Hampton, NE. She moved to Beatrice with her family at age 11 and graduated from Beatrice High School in 1939. Edith taught rural school for one year at Harrison, NE and 2 years near Beatrice. Edith then married J. Carl Claassen on July 19, 1942 in Beatrice and became a farm wife. She loved being a homemaker on the farm, gardening and preparing meals for family and various farm helpers. She was a member of the Beatrice Mennonite Church, Ladies Circle, taught Sunday school and sang in the choir; was a member of the Skillful Sisters Extension Club. She enjoyed refinishing antique furniture, oil painting and needle work, scrapbooking, music (especially singing duets with her husband), and collecting stamps. Survivors include children Phyllis (Ron) Fielder of Beatrice, Janet (Ray) Betka of Naples, FL, Rod (Beth) Claassen of Castle Rock, CO, and Larry (Brenda) Claassen of Lincoln; 4 grandchildren; 1 step grandson; 4 great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband J. Carl Claassen (1994); infant son Marvin; sisters Vernita Gibson and Ruby Grell; and brothers in law Elton "Bud" Gibson and Darrell Grell. Celebration of Life Services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, August 10, 2019 at the Beatrice Mennonite Church with Pastor Tim Amor officiating. Private family inurnment will be at the Mennonite Cemetery, R. Beatrice. Visitation from 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM Friday, August 9, 2019 at the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice. Family prayer service at 10:45 AM Saturday at the church. Memorial has been established to Beatrice Mennonite Church and Mennonite Central Committee with Joe Thimm and Richard Goertzen in charge. Sign Edith's online guest book and view her video tribute when completed at www.ghchapel.com. These services have been entrusted to the Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in Beatrice.