Edith (Symington) Hale (1893-1973)

HALE, SYMINGTON, HELFRICH, HADLEY, MCINTYRE

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 2/24/2014 at 19:52:15

From Nevada Journal December 15, 1973

Edith Hale passed away

Residents of Nevada, young and old, lost one of its most respected citizens Friday afternoon as Mrs. Edith Hale of 325 J Avenue passed away at the Story County Hospital after a brief illness.

Mrs. Hale was an active member of the community as she was a music teacher in the Nevada schools for many years, she was the organist at the United Presbyterian Church, she was the pianist at the Nevada Rotary Club, and her participation in the Nevada High School commencement exercises had become a tradition as this past May she participated in her 25th consecutive piano processional.

Her work in her church was neverending. She and her family transferred membership to Central Presbyterian Church in Nevada September 27, 1942, shortly after they came to Nevada. She had been greatly involved in the music program of the church playing the organ or piano for regular or special church or Sunday school services, directing junior choirs and assisting in the music area of the church's life whenever called upon.

She was elected to the official board of the church in 1972 and served her eldership as a Christian education committee member since her ordination in January of 1973. She served recently on the organ committee which also largely directed the remodeling of the sanctuary.

Mrs. Hale was the first organist to play the Ethel A. Dillin Memorial Organ Sunday, September 16, 1973. In February of the year the United Presbyterian Women sponsored an open house for her near 80th birthday.

Rev. Gehrald Riesen of the Presbyterian Church said of Mrs. Hale, "She was an untiring worker, wonderful in spirit, dedicated to her family, church and community, and uniquely quick to say she was doing nothing extraordinary. She will be greatly missed."

Mrs. Hale this year was the Grand Marshal in the homecoming parade sponsored by the Nevada student council. She was chosen for the honor as the first grand marshal ever in the event, and was chosen solely by the students in the school.

Mrs. Hale was born February 12, 1893 in Ackley, Iowa to Thomas and Anna Symington. On August 2, 1922 she was married to Art Hale in the Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. She had lived in the area for the past 44 years.

She was a deacon of the church, a member of P.E.O., Sorosis, Wa-Tan-Ye in addition to her honor as a Rotary den mother.

Mrs. Hale had become an institution to the community as her youthful zest for life radiated into all members of the community. Her death will be greatly mourned by those who knew her.

Mrs. Hale is survived by one son, Dr. Don Hale of Nevada; one daughter, Mrs. Howard (Katherine) Helfrich of Northbrook, Illinois; seven grand children; one great-grandchild; one brother, W.T. Symington of California; and two sisters, Mrs. Beula Hadley of California and Mrs. C.E. (Ardie) McIntyre of Minnesota.

She was preceded in death by her husband and one brother, Fred.

Friends may call at the Ryan Funeral Home from Sunday morning until noon Monday, when the body will be taken to the Central Presbyterian Church to await funeral services. Services will be at 3:30 p.m. Monday with Rev Gehrald Riesen officiating. Burial will be in the Nevada Cemetery.

A Memorial Fund has been established for the Nevada School Piano Fund.