Edna Martha (Gaffke) Cardwell

Edna Martha Cardwell, age 100, passed away peacefully in her daughter's home and went on to be with her Heavenly Father on July 25, 2024.

Edna was born in Port Hope, Michigan on March 29, 1924, to Emil and Clara Gaffke.

Edna graduated from Wayne State University with degree in Nursing. She started her nursing career at the Marion Veterans Hospital, where she worked for eight years before moving to Marion General Hospital and retiring after thirty-seven years. Edna loved her job, her fellow workers, and her patients. She took pride in providing the highest quality of care and was esteemed by all.

Edna was a devoted mother and grandmother. She mentored many children during her life span. She was a Cub Scout Den Mother for eleven years, receiving “Den Mother of the Year” in 1965. She was also a Girl Scout leader for thirty-seven years, serving all levels of Girl Scouts. She received the “Thanks” Badge in 1978, (the highest honor in Girl Scouts), and “Pin of Appreciation” in 1986. Both of which acknowledge her measurable impact on carrying out the Girl Scouts mission.

Edna was the last surviving original member of the St. James Lutheran Church, where she attended church for seventy-four years. She was a faithful member of Forever Young and Lutherans for Life. Edna aspired to nurture faith in her grandchildren and other youth in the congregation as evidenced by her commitment to Vacation Bible School and her service on the youth board for twelve years, where she served as director and co-director for six years.

She was preceded in death by her children: Richard Cardwell, Roger Cardwell, and Mary Brenneman, and grandchildren: Sierra Spain, Brittany Huitte, and Candy Williams.

Edna will be missed by her daughter Norma “Jeannie” Starr of Marion and stepson David (Cathy) Cardwell of Florida, eleven grandchildren: Charles (Gary) Humes, Mark (Jennifer) Cardwell, Richard (Mia) Cardwell, Tina (Mike) Felty, Michelle Riddle, Shawn Starr, Gary Starr, Jesseca (Kent) Spencer, Kyle Sample, Bethanie Sample, Brian (Amber) Cardwell, and forty-eight great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday July 31, 2024, at St. James Lutheran Church, 1206 N. Miller Ave., Marion, Indiana, 46952. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will follow services at Grant Memorial Park, 1606 W 26th St., Marion, Indiana 46953. Reverend Mark Carlson and Reverend Fred Hearn will officiate. Arrangements have been entrusted to Raven Choate Robinson Funeral Home, Marion, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the “Youth” at St. James Lutheran Church, 1206 N. Miller Ave, Marion, Indiana 46953.

Online condolences may be shared at www.ravenchoate.com.