July 4, 2020

Edna Wilder recently celebrated her 101st birthday. Here is her story, as sent in to the Tribune by her cousin Mona Jones:

“Edna Wilder born 6-24-1919 met [her] first husband at a Graceland College reception in Lamoni, Iowa. They had two boys. He passed away with cancer.

Edna met her second husband while she worked for TWA. He was much younger, she kept saying no, but he made a play for her boys! She gave in and had another good marriage and another son. After many years cancer took this husband, too. Two sons are still living.

The family celebrated in a big way on her 100th year where she still lives at Solstice Senior Living. Gathering needed to be more careful this time.

The family has connection to The Community of Christ and the Christian Church nearby.

Edna’s second cousin Mona (VanTuyl) Jones lives two blocks away at the Summit Grove Senior Apartments. Mona is the last of nine children of her generation and Edna is the last of three. Mona will be 90 this year and Edna joking, gave permission for her to live to 102! Mona’s father and Edna’s mother were brother and sister. The families have always enjoyed reunions. They have given much to the Lee’s Summit Museum.

Paul Jones from Blue Springs is one of Mona’s six children who help her get places. He would be part of another generation.”