Edith Elaine Sells

Edith Sells, 84, of Unionville, MO, passed away at the Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, IA, on Monday, January 23, 2017, following a brief illness.

Edith Elaine Wilmont was born in Onieda, IL, on September 25, 1932, the daughter of Glen A. and Retah M. Voorhees, who preceded her in death. Her mother died in the childbirth of little brother Donald and, being in such a large family, Edith was raised in an orphanage in Galesburg, IL. She graduated from High School there. Edith married Roy Porterfield on May 19, 1953. He passed away in 1984. Edith and Roy lived in Galesburg for a number of years where Edith worked caring for people as a CNA at Cottage Hospital in Galesburg. She later worked in the home health care service.

Edith married Benjamin Sells on October 25, 1980, and he preceded her in death on May 4, 1992. Edith and Benjamin moved to Unionville, MO, in 1986 and Edith worked for Mary Salisbury at the Steer-In Café for 10-12 years. She and Mary became best friends. Edith later worked as a cook at the Senior Center in Unionville.

Edith was a person of boundless energy and she often directed that energy toward helping others. She coordinated a coat drive for children in the Appalachian Mountains in 1998. She loved to cook and bake pies for folks. Edith liked to raise and can vegetables from her garden. She had an outgoing personality and was very friendly. She loved her family and enjoyed cooking for them on holidays. Edith was an active member at the Unionville Assembly of God.

Edith is survived by her daughters, Rita (Michael) Freshwater, Albia, IA; Ruth Womack, Unionville, MO; Peggy Sells, Unionville, MO; and Phyllis (Ronald Mortimer) Sells, Oquawka, IL; and her sons, David (Annette) Porterfield, Lucas, IA; Daniel (Joan) Porterfield, Warsaw, MO; Keith (Ratri) Porterfield. Burlington, IA; Benjamin (Debbie) Sells, Galesburg, IL; Benny Todd (Angel) Sells, Unionville, MO; David (Catherine) Sells, Unionville, MO. Nineteen grandchildren survive, as well as 29 great grandchildren. Edith had a special relationship with grandchildren Cassie Harlan, Alex & Brandon Sells, Billy Porterfield, Colton & Kelsy Sells and Paige Sells, and great grandson Jayson Swearingen. She is also survived by her sister Lucille Yeast, Galesburg, IL.

Edith was preceded in death by a son, Dale James Porterfield, and a daughter, Phyllis Porterfield; seven grandchildren; her seven sisters, Glenna Motz, Leta Peterson, Maxine Cannon, Francis Talbert, Isabel Wenzel, Alice Dickerson, and Rachel Bivens; and two brothers, Dale Wilmont and Donald Libby.

Funeral services for Edith Sells will be at the Unionville Assembly of God church at 11:00 am, Friday, January 27, 2017. Visitation will be at Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home in Unionville from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Thursday, January 26. Interment will be at the Unionville Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warrior Project and may be entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.