Person:Edith Maynard (1)

Edith was born and raised in Lincoln Creek, later Galvin, Washington. She worked as a clerk in several grocery stores and as a florist with her mother in Maynard's Flower Shop on Gold Street, in Centralia, for many years.

She attended Centralia High School but did not graduate. On June 3, 1924 She sang "Evening Song" by G. Kinscella at a Recital given by pupils of Miss Edna Newel at the First Presbyterian Church in Centralia.

Although she never had any children of her own, she raised the daughter of her first husband, Donna Loomis. She was dearly loved by her nieces, nephew and grandnieces and nephew, as well as many neighborhood children. She was a good baker and had a batch of sourdough known as "Herman" which was renowned throughout the family and neighborhood. She was an avid collector (otherwise known as pack rat, since she never threw anything away). If you ever needed anything, Auntie "Eat" would take you up into the attic, and chances were, she had it. The family usually celebrated Independence Day at her house, with a tent set up in the back yard and a good picnic. She had a huge vegetable and flower garden in the backyard, and canned fruits and vegetables every year. She was also famous for her mincemeat pie and rhubarb pie. The family also usually ate New Years Day Dinner at her house.

Edith was an avid "joiner." She was a member of the Eagles Auxiliary for over 55 years and was also a Rebecca of the Odd Fellows Lodge, as well as other organizations. She was a staunch Republican and often served as their representative at the polling booth. Her second husband Fred Rector was an avid Democrat, which made things interesting. She was a long-time member of Centralia First Christian Church, her name first appearing on the rolls in the 1964-1965 Annual Report.

Wedding Story from the Daily Chronicle, Friday Sept 21, 1951 Title: "Fall Flowers Form Setting for Home Wedding Service" "At an attractive home wedding last Friday evening at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. F. B. Foglesong, 310 West Pear street in Centralia, Edith M. Loomis, daughter of Mrs Ethel Maynard, and Fred Rector, were united in marriage by the Rev. James P. Fairbrook, who read the single ring service in the presence of about 50 guests. . . . . "

The following is "A Tribute to Auntie 'Eat'" written by Lynn Maynard and delivered as a eulogy at her funeral: How do you describe someone's lifetime? By the possessions they accumulate? By their occupation? The true measure is a person's relationship to God and to people around them. By this standard, Edith comes out on top. She was a hard worker and enjoyed doing a job well. She always gave full measure, and then some. As a florist, she showed great talent for arrangements and making things grow. She had a large garden which she, and many others enjoyed. As anyone knew who was around her long, she had great energy and was difficult to keep up with. During the past few years she had difficulties with her health but did not complain. She was a stubborn lady who would not give up, but kept on going by sheer willpower. She was very active socially and loved to attend meetings especially her beloved Rebekahs, Eagles and Guild. She was an avid volunteer for a multitude of activities. She love music and theater. She was overly generous. Whatever you needed, from folding chairs, to antique picture frames, to a rototiller, it seemed that she always had it. Her magic attic was a treasure hunter's delight. She had a strong sense of history and family roots. She kept a diary of family events and would frequently call to remind someone of a first lost tooth or a childhood case of the measles. Her loyalty knew no bounds. She had the personal touch, keeping flowers on the grave of a beloved friend for over twenty years. We will always cherish fond memories of her: The taste of her warm mince meat pies. Her creamed onions at family holiday dinners. Eager neighbor kids coming over for fresh baked cookies. Fourth of July picnics in her back yard. Being blown by the wind on the beach. Traveling to Eagle functions and doing crazy things. Herman cake from her old sourdough starter. Chuckling at corny puns. Dancing with her husband Fred at Grange and Eagle Halls while sipping Shirley Temples. Brass bells hanging from her floor lamp. Watching the children play at Darrel's picnics. Her collection of pigs. Watching a melodrama at the Evergreen Playhouse. Taking a passel of kids to the Shrine Circus. Her cranberry cocktail sauce in a cut crystal bowl. Sitting in her favorite pew at second church service. She was generous with her time, money, possessions, but most of all, herself. Auntie E, we will love you always and miss you greatly. This is not good bye, just "see you soon."

The following is a newspaper article from 5 years before her death: "RECTOR HONORED" Some 65 friends and relatives gathered at Aug 6 at the Centralia Eagles Hall for a surprise party honoring Edith Rector, Centralia, on her 83rd birthday. The celebration was hosted by a grandson and his wife, Bob and Bobbie Blankenship, Centralia. Edith Maynard Rector, a life-long resident of Lewis County, was born Aug. 2, 1906, on Fords Prairie. She was married to the late Fred Rector. She has one daughter, Donna Kanoff, Centralia; four grand-children; 15 great-grandchildren; a niece and nephew. Rector is a 55-year member of the Centralia Eagles Auxiliary and is a member of the Rebekah Lodge and the First Christian Church, Centralia.She said, "The party was a complete surprise. I certainly do appreciate everyone attending the party and the Centralia Eagles for its help."

Obituary in Centralia Chronicle: "Edith Louise Rector passed away September 12, 1994, at Providence Hospital - Centralia, as the result of a long fight with pneumonia. She was 88 years of age. "Born August 2, 1906 in Centralia to Francis S. and Ethel E. (Baxter) Maynard, she was a lifetime resident of the Centralia area. Edith worked as a retail clerk and as a florist in the local area. She belonged to Ivy Rebekah Lodge 21 in Centralia, Centralia Eagles Auxiliary and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary. "Survivors include a daughter (note: actually step-daughter) Donna Kanoff of Centralia; two grandsons, Robert Blankenship of Centralia and Darell Blankenship of Rochester; one granddaughter, Cheryl Lybbert of Aberdeen; two nieces , , , , a nephew. . . , and numerous great-great grand children and great nieces and nephews. "Edith was preceded in death by her husband Fred Rector in 1982 and by her brother Everett Maynard in 1988. "Funeral services for Edith L. Rector will be held Saturday, Sept. 17, 1994 at 10:00 am, at the First Christian Church in Centralia, with Pastor Dick Sweet officiating. A reception will follow at the Centralia Eagles. Interment will take place at Mountain View Cemetary, Centralia. "Visitation may be made on Friday, Sept 16, 1994 between the hours of 9:00 am and 8:00 pm."

1. ↑ Birth Certificate of Edith Maynard.