Edna Mae Brenly

Akron, Ohio; Rockynol Retirement Community: It is announced that Edna Mae (Farver) Brenly, formerly of Coshocton, passed away peacefully, without pain and with no struggle, from her human, earthly experience Thursday morning, October 11th. She was 92.
Edna was born on September 17th, 1926 in Clark Township, Holmes County Ohio, near New Bedford. She was the daughter of Alma (Krieger) and David Farver, who was a descendant of the Farvers who settled in the area once known as "Farver's Run" near Beck's Mill. After her father died when she was age 3, her mother married Victor Fender and the family moved to his neighboring farm. It was in this setting, in the rolling hills of southeast Holmes County's Amish community that Edna developed her lifelong love and respect for the Amish community. During her retirement, she was always excited to receive a letter from Levi and Elizabeth inviting her to help with the annual butchering.
As a child, she attended Knob Collage, a one room school house just over the hill from Vic's place. Later, she attended Berlin High School.
As a young adult, she shared an apartment in Millersburg with some girlfriends and at one point, she and three others formed a quartet and sang "Whispering Hope" at the high school in Millersburg and won a prize.
She was a sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was also a friend to many and to some, a cherished, dear friend. One summer, she taught Bible School in the mornings at the old Oak Hill Church in Holmes County and then helped tend bar in the evening at a relative's establishment in Ragersville. Apparently, the Heavens approved of this arrangement. Many in the Coshocton area will remember Edna for her 30 years of service at the former Bando's Restaurant on Second Street. In her later years even as her memory began to fail, she could still remember all of her customers and what they would order. After her retirement, she remained friends with many of her patrons and, almost every week had lunch with her girl Donna.
Throughout her 92 years, Edna remained a simple, country girl and enjoyed the simpler things of life. There were always "too many damned buttons" on the TV remote for her. She loved flowers and gardening. She was a NASCAR fan - she did not like Kurt Busch but was a hugh Dale Jr. fan. She loved animals, particularly farm animals and had many pets through the years. Her most recent pet cat Jaspur, who looked out for her in Coshocton, now lives in Akron with his adopted sister Ellie. She was an avid quilter and loved doing embroidery. In 2009, she won the "Harvest Award" at the annual Stitchery Showcase at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens in Akron and in 2017, while a resident at Rockynol, she received a First Place award for her "Crazy Runner".
Edna also found time to travel. She traveled to Hawaii and Cancun with Chris and Jane, went on bus trips with Deb and Grace and visited France with Kim, Patsy and Noel.
Edna could be a pistol at times and once her mind was set, there was no changing it. Many will remember Edna for her orneriness. It is suspected that at times as a child, she was a handful for her mom and Vic.
It is this author's ardent hope and wish that those of you who knew Edna, will take time out of your day to remember Edna as she was. Should a group of you be together, please, raise your glasses and offer a toast to her. There will be no traditional calling hours or funeral services.
For those of you who can and are able to, memorial contributions should be made to the following: Ohio Living Rockynol, 1150 West Market Street, Akron, Ohio, 44313 and/or to Harbor Light Hospice, 207 Portage Trail, Ext. W, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, 44223.
Mom, you can stop worrying now. Because of you, we will all be OK .
To share a Memory or Send a Condolence, visit the Tribute Wall at www.billowfuneralhomes.com (Billow FAIRLAWN Chapel)