Edith Elizabeth Pike

EDITH ELIZABETH PIKE

July 21, 1920 – April 3, 2020

      Edith Elizabeth Pike, age 99, of Park Rapids, MN, passed away Friday, April 3, 2020 at the Heritage Living Center in Park Rapids, MN.

      Edith was born on July 21, 1920 in Crow Wing Township to Edward and Freda (Bement) LaBonte.  She attended Hubbard School, later graduating as salutatorian of Park Rapids High School in 1937.  She continued her education at the University of Minnesota where she was a member of Clovia Sorority, graduating in 1942.  She never stopped learning or showing interest in a wide variety of subjects, including Facebook and emails while in her 80’s and 90’s. She was united in marriage to Dale Raughla Pike on October 17, 1942 at the Methodist Church in Hubbard where she was a life-long member. They began their life together farming on the Hubbard prairie.  Their union was blessed with 9 children and one foster child.  Edith planted a large vegetable garden every summer and canned the produce for her growing family.  She sewed clothes for her family and gifted each grandchild a homemade a quilt upon graduation from high school.  When Edith was 10 years old, she was a charter member of the Hubbard Rustlers 4-H Club.  She was involved in 4-H for the rest of her life, including being the Extension Home Economist from 1965 to 1983.  Edith and Dale lived on the farm until 1970 and at which time they moved to Park Rapids.  Edith always had time for family and hosted numerous family get-togethers at the cabin on Long Lake every summer and if there was an event or activity involving family, she wanted to be there.

      She will be lovingly remembered by her 9 children: Sam (Jan), Kay (Jack) Smythe, Nancy (Dick) Bogaard, Charlie, Don (Pat), Dick (Sue), Phil (Jody), Kenny, and Marie (Mark) Helfrick; 31 grandchildren; 62 great-grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

      Edith was preceded in death by her husband, Dale in 2012; her parents; a foster son, Jerry Bethel; 1 grandson, Luke; and her brothers: Leonard, and Jack.

      To leave online condolences or to view the video tribute please visit www.jonespearson.com