Edna Pearl Close

Edna Pearl (Ray) Close was born Sept. 21, 1917 in Nishnabotna, Missouri, the daughter of Nicholas Jerome Ray and Edna (Christian) Ray. Edna Pearl preferred to be called E.P. She grew up in rural Atchison County, living on various farms with her family and attended Nishna, Elkdale and Daleview schools.

She met Anthony Lewis “Philip” Close while they both were attending Daleview High School. They were classmates and graduated from high school in 1935. They were united in marriage on April 9, 1939 at the Methodist-Episcopal Church in Oregon, Missouri. To this union two children were born, Peggy Jo and Philip Ray.

E.P. and Phil lived on the Anthony Lewis and Anne (Lord) Close farm until May 23, 1946, when the home was destroyed by a tornado. Phil and E.P. Purchased a home from the Hiram True family and had it moved to the location where it stands today, directly north of St. Oswald's Episcopal Church in rural Skidmore, Missouri.

E.P. was a member of St. Oswald's-in-the-Fields Episcopal church. She and Phil enjoyed playing pitch, and they were members of a square dancing club for many years. In addition, they were lifetime members of the Falls City Elks Club and enjoyed ballroom dancing. Their dancing was a wonderful part of their togetherness.

Immediately following high school graduation E.P. was offered a shoe modeling job in St. Louis; her shoe size was 5AA. She turned the offer down and remained in the Dale Township area her entire life. Over the years she enjoyed being a farmer's wife. She raised chickens, sheep, a vegetable garden, several flower gardens, and cooked many meals for hired men and family members that helped work the farm. She was always requested to bring her famous salmon salad and her banana salad to many family events and the annual Harvest Festival event at St. Oswald's-in-the-Fields. She had a love for cross-stitching and made many lovely quilts for immediate family members. She had a special fondness for her dog and her calico cat.

Survivors include her daughter, Peggy Kruse and husband Larry of Glenwood, Iowa; her brother, Dr. Dean Ray and sister-in-law Natalie of Sun City West, Arizona; four grandsons, David and Brian Kruse of Omaha, Nebraska, Christopher Close of Plattsburg, Missouri and Brian Close of Roland Park, Kansas; seven great grandchildren, Alex Kruse, son of Brian Kruse, Riley and Hannah Kruse, children of David and Sharon Kruse, Caitlyn, Corey and Nathan Close, children of Chris and Shonda Close, and Carson Close, son of Brian and Joyce Close; along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding E.P. In death were her husband, Anthony L. “Phil” Close (2012), her son, Philip Ray Close (1992); her parents, Nicholas (1956) and Edna Ray (1972); infant sister (1908); and two brothers, Harold Edwin “Cy” Ray (1976) and Raymond Donald Ray (1989).

May God grant comfort and strength to those who mourn her passing.

Services were held on Thursday, September 13, 2012 at 2:00 pm at the Chamberlain Funeral Home in Mound City. Interment was at Mount Hope Cemetery in Mound City. Memorials may be directed to the Atchison County Library, or the St. Oswald's Historical Corporation.