Edna H. Gerhardt-Steele

Edna H. (Gerhardt) Steele, age 86 of Fairfield, passed away at the Hillandale Care Facility on Thanksgiving morning, November 25, 2004 at 2:30 a.m. She was born in Newport, KY on April 3, 1918, the daughter of George and Adelia (Mittendorf) Johns. Edna was a 1937 graduate of Highland High School in Fort Thomas, KY. On June 12, 1937, in Hamilton, she was married to Robert J. Gerhardt. In 1954 they settled in Fairfield where she resided until moving to Hillandale. He preceded her in death on March 8, 1975.

Edna's career in banking began at the Hicks Manor Branch of Home Federal Savings and Loan. During this time subdivision developers and home buyers alike appreciated her knowledge and direction in the handling of their banking needs. At retirement she was an officer in the Human Resource Department at the Main Office in Hamilton.

As Fairfield residents who attended Calvary Church in Hamilton, Edna and Bob were members of an outreach group who founded Fairfield Missionary Church on Winton Road. They were long time members of Governor's Park Baptist Church. Active in many Masonic organizations, their contributions and dedication was an example to many. Edna was a Past President of the Hamilton Commandry #41 Ladies Auxiliary.

She was an avid reader and especially treasured historical books and poems relating to her Kentucky heritage. Edna and her siblings remained close throughout the years with friends from their childhood neighborhood in Fort Thomas. As long as health permitted they attended annual homecomings.

On April 14, 1978 she married Chester A. Steele at the First Baptist Church of Fairfield. He preceded her in death on April 12, 1982.

A loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she will be missed by her son and daughter-in-law Robert and LaDonna Gerhardt of Fairfield; two daughters, Patricia G. Lykins of Hamilton and Joanne K. Molck of Northport, FL; step-daughter Karen (Wayne) Pfeiffer of Cincinnati; 9 grandchildren: James Lykins, Nancy Lykins Hester, Stephen Lykins, Mark Lykins, Matthew (Leslie) Lykins, Edna (Brian) Roberts, Allison (Eric) Owens, Robert (Melissa) Gerhardt III and Eric (fiance Julie Raker) Gerhardt; 6 great-grandchildren: Christopher Lykins, Megan Lykins, Gunnar and Blake Lykins, Robert Gerhardt IV and Madison Gerhardt; and a host of loving nieces and nephews.

She was also preceded in death by her parents; 2 brothers, George Gibson Johns and Richard Johns; 3 sisters, Ruth Corson, Betty Large and Shirley Martin.

The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the Administrators and staff at Hillandale and VITAS Hospice for their compassionate care.

Funeral services will be 12 noon, Tuesday November 30, 2004 at the Avance Funeral Home & Crematory, 4976 Winton Rd., Fairfield with Pastor, Dr. Dale French from Ross Avenue Church of God officiating. Visitation will also be Tuesday from 10 a.m. - until time of service at the funeral home. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family at Rose Hill Burial Park. Memorials may be made to the Ohio Masonic Home, 2655 West National Road, Springfield, OH 45504 or to charity of donor's choice. The family will accept condolences at www.avancefuneralhome.com.

Visitation

10a.m.-12 noon, Tuesday November 30, 2004 @ Avance Funeral Home

Service

12 noon, Tuesday November 30, 2004 @ Avance Funeral Home