Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Edith Chism

Edith Reyenga Warren Chism went to be with her Lord on May 14 after a lengthy illness.

She was born to Gerald and Mamie Reyenga on October 4, 1926, at Emmet. She graduated from Laneburg High School. Mrs. Chism was retired from Arkla Gas Company in Hope. She was a member of Emmet United Methodist Church and attended St. Johns United Methodist in Hope.

Mrs. Chism is survived by Ed, her husband, of 25 years. She also had five daughters: Sandra Clark of Allen, Texas, Carolyn Gibbons and husband Mike of Indianapolis, Ind., Libby White and husband Jerel of Gurdon, Diana Nix and husband David of Star City, and Rooney Chu and husband Tommy of Little Rock. She was also blessed with many grandchildren, Colin and Molly Chu, Cody Yancey, Casi Hopper and husband Dan, Benjamin White and wife Melissa, Jamie White and wife Allison, Erin Johnson and husband Mike, Lori Cingolani and husband Richard, Steve Clark and wife Tonia, Vicki Simon and husband Mark. There are 12 great-grandchildren. Surviving brothers and sisters are Billy and Faye Reyenga of Hope, Johnny and Ruth Reyenga of Prescott, Gerald and Margie R. Reyenga of Brookeland, Texas, Sebron and Wanda Reyenga of Walcotville, Ind., and Ora Pearl (Shorty) Fry, of Conejos, Colo.; two sisters-in-law, edna Reyenga of Emmet and Elsie Reyenga of Hope. She is also survived by a host of nieces and nephews and friends.

Preceding her death were her parents, sister, Effie Calhoun and brothers, Eddie and James Reyenga. Also, preceding her death were Bill and Darrel Clark.

Mrs. Chism was a very special person. Her love and devotion to her family and friends was inspirational. She raised four girls at a time when single moms were not the norm. For many years she worked two to three jobs to support her family. Seeing her four daughters graduate was a great moment as well as seeing each daughter marry and grandchildren being born added treasures to her chest.

Happiness on a personal level came to her when she married Ed Chism. Her family grew with a new daughter and more grandchildren. Her eyes sparkled from all of the blessings she received from those she loved. Edith and Ed had a life of love and devotion to each other. Both were an inspiration to all of their family and friends.

Visitation was Monday, May 16, from 6-8 p.m. at Herndon Funeral Home in Hope. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 17, 2005, Herndon Funeral Home. Burial was at Snell Cemetery in Emmet. Pallbearers were her grandsons and grandsons-in-law. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Alzheimers Arkansas, 10411 W. Markham, Suite 130, Little Rock, Ark. 72205-1409.