KATHRYN ANN (SCHULDIES) EDWARDS
Dec. 16, 1938–March 17, 2026
On March 17, 2026, Kathryn Ann (Schuldies) Edwards peacefully went into the arms of Jesus.
Kathy was born in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, and lived in the area much of her life, including Nisland, the Arpan, Belle Fourche, and Newcastle, Wyoming. But her longest residence was in Vale, South Dakota, where her husband, Orville, and she farmed his family farm together for over 30 years, until both retired to their blue home on the hill.
Our mother loved the color red and she loved flowers. She enjoyed gardening both flowers and vegetables and canned like no other! She had a flair for arts and crafts and took pride in all the work she did on them — quilting so many blankets for family and friends, as well as quilted photo albums. She loved cross-stitching and embroidering. She was an amazing bowler (until her shoulder gave out on her), scoring 264 points as her highest achievement. She was an avid card player, spending many evenings with friends and family playing games such as Michigan Rummy, Canasta and Rummy Down. And, while on her own she played so many games of Solitaire we thought the spots would wear off the cards! She also enjoyed occasionally riding with Orville on his Honda Goldwing trike, having gone on several overnight trips with friends and trips through Spearfish Canyon where they enjoyed stopping at Cheyenne Crossing for a bite to eat.
She was a very involved member of the Lutheran Church in Vale, and enjoyed doing what she could to help it survive until it didn’t. Mom and Orville went to many Lutheran conferences and mom loved being a part of the Lutheran women’s organization. She enjoyed singing hymns, not only in church but at home.
Mom had a very strong work ethic. Besides working the farm, she spoke often of working as a phone operator in Belle and working for over 15 years, as well as working for Dr. Jim Lane’s optometry office in Newcastle as his optician and assistant. She became very adept at selecting frames for patients and also repairing and fitting frames. It is there that she got to know the many people of the community.
Mom was a strong woman, sometimes stubborn, but always passionate. She fought the good fight and won against breast cancer and open heart surgery, but her body and her Savior said it was time to go and so she submitted with grace and peace. Mom has gone to heaven to see her Lord and those who passed before her.
Mom is preceded in death by her parents, Conrad (Connie) and Emma Schuldies; husband, Robert Ray Cobb; ex-husband, Gene Winkleblack; and most recently her husband of 38 years, Orville Edwards; her brother, Richard Schuldies; son-in-law, Vern Garner; brother-in-law, Robert Ruff; as well as others.
Mom is survived by her two daughters, Roberta (Robbie) Ann Cupps (James) and Connie Jean Garner; five grandchildren, Shane, Jamie, Mattie, Autumn and Amber; as well as 14 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by two brothers, Larry and Russel Schuldies; sisters-in-laws, Deanna Schuldies, Carolyn Ruff, and Charlotte Pauley; just to name a few.
We would like to thank the following people who helped Mom along the way and made her smile: The Wednesday morning Vale Café group, including Betty Terrill and Debbie Timm. You gave Mom something to look forward to every week. Neighbors and friends in the Edwards Farm area, including Mildred Brunner and Mike and Cami Grubl. Niece and nephew, Carolyn and Gerald Schuldies, who were the first to be by her side at her passing and so many times before. Sister-in-law, Deanna Schuldies, who lived just a few rooms down from Mom at Edgewood. The many friends and staff at Edgewood Assisted Living in Spearfish, who made Mom’s short stay so enjoyable and homey. She loved you all!
Mom will be laid to rest with Orville at the National Cemetery in Sturgis.
A Celebration of Life for Mom will be held on May 22 at noon at the Vale Community Center. All are welcome to come and celebrate Kathy with her family. A short service will be held and lunch will be served.
A memorial is set up in Mom’s name for the Vale Fire Department and the Newell Ambulance Service.
You may sign her online guestbook at kinkadefunerals.com.