Edith Laverne Pitts

Edith Laverne (Verdon) Pitts was born on May 30, 1928, in Lansing, Iowa. She was the daughter of Florence (Protsman) and Joseph Verdon. Her schooling started at Lansing's Catholic grade school, Immaculate Conception, and finished at Lansing Public High School, graduating early at the age of 16. World War II was in full swing at this time as Edith was recruited and proudly chose to serve her country by leaving home to work for the FBI in Washington, DC. She returned to Iowa in 1947 and trained to be a hairdresser before moving to Storm Lake, IA.

      Friends fixed her up on a date with James (Jim) Pitts, a farmer. Edith first thought he was “too young” for her. Despite that, Edith and Jim fell in love and married on November 22, 1956. The ceremony was at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Storm Lake, Iowa.  While they settled down on the family farm north of Alta, Iowa, Edith always embraced her childhood connections to the Mississippi River and the special lifestyle it provided.  She continued to work as a beautician while raising their 5 children. In 2001, they retired and moved to nearby Spencer, IA where the church continued to be the foundation of Edith’s life. She was an active member of St. Joseph (Sioux Rapids) and Sacred Heart (Spencer) Catholic churches, serving wherever needed.  She and Jim shared 62 years of marriage before his passing in 2018.

      Some of Edith's favorite activities were reading, bowling, quilting, arts-and-crafts and playing cards. Jim and Edith enjoyed gathering with friends to attend school events, countless years of card club and ballroom dancing.  She was a generous giver which served her family and friends well as she had a gift for create amazing meals out of anything and for making every person who came into her home feel welcomed, like family. Gathering around the table was a true celebration of faith and spending time with her loved ones.

      She exemplified devotion to her husband, children, and grandchildren. She enjoyed telling and retelling stories of the great memories. Staying connected to loved ones was paramount to her. We will miss her beautiful smile, quick wit and countless ‘momisms’.

      On Tuesday, July 21st, 2020, Edith died at age 92 surrounded by her children. Family preceding Edith in death include her husband, Jim and her parents. Her six brothers, Harold, Floyd, Charles, Dan, Vince, and Tom Verdon. And one sister Vera Fink-Buehler.

      Edith's five children survive her. They and their respective spouses are: Melinda (Jim) Megel of Alexandria, MN; James (Jenn) Pitts of Lockhart TX; Lori (Dan) Winegarden of Clear Lake, IA; Alicia (Tim) Panyard of Ames, IA; and Charles (Marge) Pitts of Spencer, IA. Edith's nine grandchildren are: Nathan Megel (Heather), Jena Megel, Kendra Parker-Pitts, Noli Pitts, Tenzin Pitts, Amanda (Morgan) Winegarden, Emily (Chris) Athy, Andrew  Panyard and Elliott Panyard. Edith has one great grandchild Cormac Megel, one surviving sister-in-law, Marlys Alldredge and many beloved nieces and nephews.

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