Edythe Mae (Hawes) Corbin Ekstedt

Heaven got lucky on June 30, 2018 when Edythe Ekstedt, at the tender age of 93, was accompanied to the gate by her daughter, Cecelia, and son, Mike, to go be with the Lord. She was born on May 26, 1925 in Chehalis, Washington, to Beatrice Louise Blair Collins and adopted by Clarence Hawes. She was raised in Oregon, spending time with her wonderful Aunt Vesta and Aunt Francis. Her first summer job at age 12 was working at a construction site straightening out nails; everything was re-purposed in those days. At age 16, she traveled with her folks to Kodiak, Alaska, prior to the Pearl Harbor invasion. In 1944, she married Army Air Corpsman Henry (Hank) Corbin. Four years later, with their first two sons, they drove the Alcan to Alaska in a Jeep with a 20ft trailer. Arriving one month later, they homesteaded in Anchorage. After the birth of their 7th child, they moved to the Valley settling in the Butte area where their last child was born.

After her divorce, Edythe moved into the Palmer Arms with her 4 youngest children. In 1969, she met & married James Ekstedt, the love of her life; they resided in Palmer raising their children. During that time, Edythe worked as a secretary at Central School, which later became Palmer Jr High School. Many students will remember her smiling face greeting them, some on their way to the see the principal. In 1976, James and Edythe began their many adventures traveling to Europe, Canada, throughout the U.S. and Alaska. They lived in Cordova, Kodiak, Nenana, Wasilla, Aniak, and Emmonak. After James’ untimely death in 1990, Edythe moved back to Wasilla. Her adventures continued with travels to Australia, the U.S., and throughout Alaska. She lived in Sutton, Dillingham, settling in Palmer where she was a member and past president of the board for the Palmer Senior Center, a member of the Red Hats club, and with the Pioneers of Alaska. She enjoyed participating in state politics, community organizations and writing poetry about Alaska. Edythe was very well known in the quilting community for her loving gifts of quilts to friends, family, and community organizations. She was busy quilting projects up until her death. Edythe will be remembered as a free spirit.

Edythe’s family would like to thank all the team members at Tranquility Manor in Palmer for the loving care they provided to her. She leaves behind her oldest and dearest friend, Jean Maynard and her family. Edythe is survived by her children: Robert (Sue), Henry II (Karen), Rodney (Janette), Cecelia, John, Frank (Sharon), Mike (Grace), Andie (Judy), Kaye (Harvey), Carolyn, Vicki (Don), Jim (Carol), & Ledjha (Larry), and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by parents, Clarence and Louise; husband, James; and grandson, Michael.

Her family is so pleased she is now in the presence of the Lord but will miss her dearly.

The funeral will be held on Thursday July 12 at 3:00 pm at the Palmer Senior Center. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Palmer Senior Center. A private burial will follow at Palmer Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements are with Kehl’s Palmer Mortuary.