Edith Mae (Kingston) Greatsinger was born September 3, 1934 in Pillsbury, North Dakota. She passed away peacefully on January 6th, 2019 at her daughter Amy’s home in Mesa, Arizona as she courageously fought the incurable disease of Alzheimer’s for the past 20 years of her life. She and her family resided in Ellensburg for over 35 years (1969-2004).
Back on June 8th, 1958 she and Calvin Greatsinger began their 60 year journey together. They were both born and raised in North Dakota, met at Jamestown College, married in Pillsbury North Dakota and honeymooned in Mesa Verde National Park. Then they moved to Colorado where they continued their love of teaching. After giving birth to Amy and twins Beth and Murray she received her Masters Degree in Special Education (1964).
Her 36-year teaching career across North Dakota, Colorado, Montana and Washington encompassed teaching preschoolers through college students with an emphasis on Special-Education.
She continued her love of teaching by making annual treks back and forth from Washington (Rainbirds) to Arizona (Snowbirds) to ensure she participated in the lives of all her cherished grandchildren.
Edith was the youngest daughter of the late Thomas and Jennie Kingston. She is also proceeded in death by her five brothers; Gordon, Clayton, Maurice, Johnny and Stanley.
She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Calvin Greatsinger, her sister Jane Pittenger, her three children; Amy Gonzales (Tommy), former spouse Ken Lignoski, Beth Parsons and former spouse Wilmer Parsons and Murray Greatsinger (Jacki Vohs) and eight grandchildren; Bryn Lignoski, Brandon Lignoski (Sara), Blayr Lignoski, Tyler Parsons (Megan), Tucker Parsons, Jami Parsons, Taylor Beyer, Chase Beyer (Kayla); and one great-granddaughter Oliva Lignoski (Brandon and Sara), and many nieces, nephews and their children whom she loves dearly.
Funeral services at Valley of the Sun Mortuary on Saturday January 12th, 2019 and she will be laid to rest at National Cemetery in Phoenix Arizona.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (www.alzfdn.org) or a charity of your choice.
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