Edith Ohlmeier

Edith Sinclair Ohlmeier, 95, passed away May 1, 2011, at North Point Nursing Center, Paola. Edith was born December 19, 1915, the only daughter of Ed and Blanche Brotemarkle Sinclair at their rural Paola farm. She graduated from Beaver Creek School and Paola High School, as valedictorian of the class of 1933. Since her family never owned a motorized vehicle, she moved to a rooming house in Paola to attend high school. Upon graduation from Paola High, she began work for Lewis Investment Company. During this time, she was introduced to her roommate's brother, Elmer Ohlmeier. Elmer & Edith were married June 16, 1940, at the Lutheran parsonage in Livermore, Ia. by the Rev. G.H.Schaeffer. They became the parents of five children. As a young adult, she joined the Trinity Lutheran Church at Block and attended there until 1946 when the family transferred to First Lutheran in Paola. She was an active member, serving as a Sunday School teacher and holding various offices in the Lutheran Women's Missionary League and the Married Couples Club. In April, 1947, Elmer and Edith purchased their rural Paola farm. Shortly thereafter, they planted a large orchard and strawberry patch and grew enough produce to can for the winter and to sell to local groceries and individuals. Visitors to the farm left with whatever produce was in season. The flower gardens the Ohlmeiers grew would atract town people out on Sunday drives and they always had flowers for the neighbors to pick for Memorial Day. Edith spent the growing season working in the fields with her husband. She became an accomplished seamstress as it was necessary to sew for their family. She continued sewing for grandchildren even making winter coats for them. After their children were all in school, Edith returned to work at Lewis Investment Company. When Elliott Insurance purchased Lewis Investment Co., she continued working for the company as well as doing personal bookkeeping for the Lewis family until the mid 80's. Elmer & Edith remained on their farm until 2008 when they moved to North Point Nursing Center due to failing health. Her husband of 69 years passed away November 8, 2009. Those proceeding her in death were her husband, her parents; brothers, Ross Sinclair, Harold Sinclair and Ira Sinclair and son James Fredrick who passed away November 10, 1976, due to a highway accident. Survivors include her children Ethel and George Weaver, Ruth and John Cook, John and Kathy Ohlmeier and David and Fran Ohlmeier; 12 grandchildren and many great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. . In lieu of flowers, Memorials to First Lutheran Church or the Lutheran Hour. . First Lutheran Church Service: Wednesday, May 04, 2011 11:00 AM Visitation: Wednesday, May 04, 2011 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM