Kathryn Rebecca Edelen

Kathryn Rebecca Edelen, lovingly known as Becky, passed away on October 18, 2023, at the age of 93, surrounded by her family. She was born on October 2, 1930, to Joseph Benton and Kathryn Sands Miller Wommack in Millwood. Becky was the sixth of seven children: Jay, Tom, Ernie, Mordecai, Betty, Becky, and Hank. Becky grew up in the Millwood/Silex area and married William Wendell Edelen on June 25, 1949. They shared 61 years of marriage and raised six children: Carol, Susan, Laura, Mary, Mark, and Linda. Becky and Bill owned and operated the Millwood General Store and Gas Station, where they served their community faithfully. Becky was an excellent seamstress and a talented artist known for her love of oil painting. She cherished her family, often declaring her children as her life. Becky and Bill enjoyed playing cards, dancing, and traveling with friends and family. She actively participated in church and several community clubs. Becky is survived by her children: Carol (Gary) Patton of O’Fallon, MO; Laura (Rich) Kopp of Murrayville, IL; Mark (Sherril) Edelen of Millwood, MO; Linda (Garry) Day of Foley, MO; 12 grandchildren and their spouses; 22 great-grandchildren and four spouses; and six great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Betty Haines, and several in-laws: Mary Grothaus Wommack, Darlene Edelen Porter, Kenny Edelen, Denny (Joyce) Edelen, and Jeanne (Jim) Ellis. Becky was preceded in death by her beloved husband Bill, daughters Susan and Mary (both passed during infancy); her parents Benton & Kathryn Wommack; Bill’s parents Wendell and Ida Edelen; and her siblings: Jay, Tom, Ernie, Mordecai (passed during infancy), and Hank Wommack. She was also preceded by several in-laws: Bill Haines, Dude Porter, Dave, Johnny and Carol Edelen, Mary, Anna Mae, and Rita Wommack. A visitation will be held from 9 am to 11 am, followed by a Mass at 11 am on Saturday, October 28th, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Millwood, officiated by Father Charles Tichacek. Burial and graveside service will follow at the St. Alphonsus Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Becky’s seven grandsons: Keith Patton, Jason Edelen, Ryan, Darren, and Nathan Kopp, Jimmy and Jake Day. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to funeral masses honoring Becky, Millwood Cemetery, or the St. Alphonsus Parish. Arrangements are entrusted to Bibb-Veach Funeral Home.

Kathryn Rebecca Edelen

October 2, 1930 - October 19, 2023