Edna Bishop

Edna Lois Bishop, 89, of Rittman, died Friday, April 12, 2019 at Summa Hospital, in Akron.

Edna was born December 3, 1929 in Holden, WV to Isaac and Nany {Riggs} Cyrus.

She was fourth born of seven children brought up in a four-room house. Edna graduated from Rittman High School. Her godliness, love and wisdom was taught by hours spent in God’s word and faithfully surrendering in sacrificial love to Him daily. He was the passion that lit up her eyes and carried her nearly ninety years.

In 1948, she married Robert Louis Mathys and they had four children. Robert died in 1967 and two years later she fell in love with Warren L. Bishop. They were married in 1969 and had one daughter together.

Edna served her Lord, family, church and community very faithfully never uttering a word of complaint and because of her unwavering faithfulness, she always counted herself very blessed. She was one of the founding charter members of the Rittman First Baptist Church, now known as Hillside Baptist Church. Selfless service was what defined her life most and she was a blessing to all who knew her. What people will remember her for most, was her warm smile, tender voice and how she went out of her way to ensure others were taken care of before herself. What we remember her for, was her being a kind, loving, godly, selfless, hardworking saint who greeted her family members with love asking them how they were doing before ever mentioning herself. It’s not a goodbye, but “ I’ll see you later” because joy is now overtaking her body, as on April 12, 2019 the staircase of heaven opened up and God reached out his hand and said, come follow me, I’ll carry you the rest of the way.

Edna will be deeply missed by her husband of fifty years; children Richard (Jane) Mathys of Wooster, Duane (Deb) Mathys of Creston, Diana Ragan of CA, Karen (Mark) Kollert of Wooster and Mary (Brian) Warner of Orrville; 10 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren.

Edna was preceded in death by her parents, siblings and friends.

Friends may call Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. and Tuesday from 10 to 11 a.m. at Hillside Baptist Church. Funeral services will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the church with Pastor Kevin Fath officiating. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens. Online tributes may be made at www.RobertsFuneralHome.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Hillside Baptist Church, 19 W. Ohio Ave, Rittman, Ohio 44270.

A life well, lived, is a life of godliness in total obedience to Jesus Christ.