Minnie Ethel Edwards, daughter of Malon Smith and Elizabeth (Whitson) Smith, was born in Sims, Illinois on August 27, 1880. She was one of eleven children and the last one remaining of their family. In March 1906 she was married to Elijah D. Edwards, who died in 1916. They were bless with seven children and Elijah brought two young daughters into the family whom she raised as her own.

The death of her husband left Ethel with a family to raise alone at the age of 36. They moved from Sims to Centralia, Illinois, so that she might better provide for them and also give them broader opportunities. After the children were grown she moved to Chicago to be near them and her grandchildren.

Since 1977 she had lived in California and in August of 1980 had celebrated her 100th Birthday with 37 members of the family at the home of her daughter Mrs. Basil M. Gaynor, where she remained until the time of her death on September 26.

"Mom" truly exemplified the description of a “Virtuous Woman” as outlined in Proverbs 31:10-31. Her life was poured out in full measure for her family to whom she was always a tower of strength and wisdom. Today, we, her children and grandchildren “..rise up and call her blessed.” She was truly a Great Lady we would be proud to emulate.

"Mom" leaves a deep void in the lives of those she touched. She leaves 4 daughters and 1 step-daughter: Mrs. Gladys Baurer, Mrs. Eloise Cunningham, Mrs. Wilena Gaynor, Mrs. Lorelei Eberhart and Mrs. Blanche Tabor; her son Glen preceded her in death just 6 months ago and leaves daughter-in-law Mrs. Eula (Simmons) Edwards; 12 grandchildren: Fred Baurer, Gretchen (Baurer) Cochran, Edwin A. Cunningham, Allan S. Cunningham, Basil Gaynor, Lee Gaynor, Wm. B. Phillips, Marcella (Tabor) Felton, Juanita (Tabor) Punchard, Harry Joe, Charles and Everett Tabor; 32 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. 3 children (Carl, Ruth and Glen) and a step-daughter (Daisy) preceded her in death.