Edith Lorraine Spittler

With heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of Edith Lorraine Spittler, who departed this world on March 31, 2026, at the age of 86. Edith left us unexpectedly, with her beloved daughter by her side in Wabasha, Minnesota. Born on September 13, 1939, in Danville, Illinois, Edith was the cherished daughter of Curtis Emmanual Miller and Effie Alice Miller (Huffman). She was the embodiment of kindness, generosity, and resilience, a testament to the love and values instilled by her parents. Preceding her in death are her parents, her brothers Charles and Curtis Miller, her sister Ileane Wolken, brother-in-laws Jim McEvoy and Stuart Wolken, and her beloved great-grandson Blaze Himle. Edith's life was a testament to the power of love and family. She married Ronald Lee Spittler in 1958 in Decatur, Illinois. Together, they embarked on life’s journey, welcoming three wonderful children: Melody (Dannie) Himle of Wabasha, Minnesota; Mark Spittler of Port Charlotte, Florida; and Darwin (Nancy) Spittler of Venice, Florida. Though their marital paths diverged, their shared love for their children remained steadfast. A proud graduate of Stephen Decatur High School in 1958, Edith later pursued her passion for caregiving, earning her Certified Nurses Aid Certificate in 1980. Her career as a personal nurse's aide in Decatur, Illinois, was marked by compassion and dedication, as she provided care with the warmth of a mother's touch. She even traveled with her clients to Florida during the winter months, forming bonds that transcended professional duty. Later, Edith moved to Theilman, Minnesota, where she continued her noble work at the Lake City Nursing Home before retiring in Wabasha, Minnesota. Her retirement years were filled with joy, as she dedicated herself to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life. She was affectionately known as the "Squirrel Lady" by her great-grandson Blaze, a nickname born from their shared moments feeding squirrels. Edith's life was enriched by her love of reading and baseball. A devoted Chicago Cubs fan, she found joy in the simple pleasures of life – sharing meals with friends, basking in the sun, and engaging in heartfelt conversations with neighbors. Her warmth extended to the community, where she was known for her generosity, often sharing food with new residents in her building, ensuring that no one went without. Edith's enduring legacy lives on through her sister, Esther McEvoy of Antioch, California,sister in-law Joann Miller and sister in-law Margaret Miller both of Illinois, her grandchildren Teresa (Leo) Newman; Renay (Tyler) Evers; Marie (Cory Bendickson); Mark Caruso,as well as her great-grandchildren Tori Newman, Colton Weichel, Cheyenne Evers, Madyson Caruso, and the eagerly anticipated Maverick, who is due in June. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who cherished her deeply. As we reflect on Edith's life, we celebrate a woman who embodied grace, generosity, and resilience. Her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Though she has departed from this physical world, her legacy of love and kindness endures, a testament to a life beautifully lived. Even giving in death by donating her body to science. May we all find comfort in knowing that she is now at peace, reunited with those she loved who went before her. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Edith's name to your local public library or local food bank, reflecting her lifelong commitment to caring for others. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.