Vira Edwards

Vira “Vi” Lorraine Edwards was born June 9, 1927, to Malcom and Jenny Field in Utica, KS. At age seven, she developed dust pneumonia and her family moved to Twin Falls, ID to escape the Dust Bowl. It was there that she met her husband of 74 years.

As teenagers, while playing outside after church one Sunday, Vi’s eye was accidentally blackened by a farm kid from Hollister. Despite such a unique first encounter, she survived a few courtship outings being driven down bumpy back roads in a borrowed Model A Ford with the culprit: Donald Edwards. The two were married on June 14, 1946, at the Twin Falls First Church of the Nazarene. Unbeknownst to her at the time, three generations of her offspring would also be married at the same altar in the same building.

In 1947, Vi gave birth to the couple’s only child: a son, Danny. For most of her life, she was a loving spouse, adoring parent, and dedicated homemaker. She was a World War II Army wife and a Vietnam War Army mother. Both of her soldiers fondly recalled her carefully curated care packages.

Vi lived her entire adult life in the Magic Valley, except for a two-year stint in the ‘60s when she and Don owned and operated an Arctic Circle franchise in central California. The rest of the time, the couple primarily made their living by farming and ranching. She maintained her livestock handling skills late into life, which was prominently displayed when one day her great-grandson’s show steer escaped and she, well into her 80s at the time, had to sprint to keep him out of the road and then safely return to the house.

Vi’s affection was often shown by her words of encouragement and care for those she loved. It was perhaps her goodie supply—however—which was the most frequent vessel of her love. Her baked goods were staples at Edwards family gatherings, her homemade ice cream was the highlight of every birthday party, her specially mixed Country Time lemonade eased the heat of summer, her famous vegetable stew warmed many a body and mind on cold and dreary days, and—later in life—one could always find a wafer cookie or Costco muffin at Granny’s house.

Second only to her love of God was her love of family. She taught her granddaughter to sew and cook, her grandsons to behave, and all her family the art of telling a good joke. She had a very distinctive laugh which usually followed a recollection of a funny story or memorable experience. Later in life, as she transitioned from the ranch to her house in town, and then from one assisted living facility to another, the movers spent countless hours packing, hauling, and rehanging a seemingly infinite supply of framed photographs of her family. Usually, the number of photos exceeded the available wall space.

Above all, Vi was a devout woman of God. Her wisdom, counsel, and spiritual support was relied upon by many over the years. She used her many photos as visual reminders as she prayed for her son, daughter-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and their spouses by name—several times daily.

Vi passed peacefully on June 27, 2023. She entered into Glory 18 days after her 96^th birthday and one day following the 3-year anniversary of her beloved husband’s passing. She was preceded in death by her husband Don, parents, brother Rev. Gilbert “Gib” Field, son Danny, and grandson Scot. She is survived by her daughter-in-law Lynda (Danny) Edwards, grandchildren Holly (Josh) Beymer and Dr. Dustin Edwards, granddaughter-in-law Cherie (Scot) Edwards, and nine great-grandchildren: Justin, Madison, and Shayne Edwards; Tanner (Kelsey) and Taylan Beymer; Drew (Malerie), Lauren, and Jaiden Edwards; and Reese Katzenberger. 

A graveside service will be arranged at a time when the family can gather, and notice will be given to the community at that time.