Obituaries : Vivian Coburn Edwards, 93, Vinton

Vivian Coburn Edwards, 93, of Vinton, died Wednesday, April 14, 2010, at Virginia Gay Nursing and Rehab in Vinton due to complications of a stroke. A Celebration of Life service will be held 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 5, 2010, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Vinton with Pastor Karen Larson officiating. Per Vivian’s wishes, her body has been cremated. Vivian was born April 28, 1916, in La Porte City, Iowa, the daughter of Charles and Vera Antone Coburn. She was raised on the family farm in rural La Porte City and graduated from La Porte City High School. On May 2, 1935, Vivian was united in marriage with Leonard Leroy Edwards at the Waterloo Methodist Church. She and Leonard enjoyed attending dances with friends. He preceded her in death on February 22, 2009. Vivian worked for Armstrong’s in Cedar Rapids in their fur salon. She was also their television commercial model for the fur coats. After a brief retirement, she worked at West Elementary School in Vinton. She was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Vinton. Vivian enjoyed gardening, her dogs and playing cards with friends and family. In her younger years she was an avid golfer. One of her fondest memories was her trip to England and Scotland with her son, John, John’s wife, Carol, and her sister, Ruth, and Ruth’s husband Ted. She was a special grandma and great-grandma and will be missed by all. Vivian is survived by three sons: John (Carol) Edwards of Cedar Rapids; James (Toni) Edwards of Puyallup, WA; and David (Kim) Edwards of Vinton; five grandchildren: Jeff (Betsy) Edwards of Newhall, CA; Shelly (Chris) Mussman of Grand Forks, ND; Mike Edwards of Manhattan, NY; Stewart Edwards of Shellsburg; Skye Edwards of Coronado Island, CA; four great-grandchildren: Jake and Jack Mussman and Jessica and Jason Edwards; three step-grandchildren: Josh (Missy), Ben and Nate Merino; two step-great-grandchildren: Camden and Bailey Merino; one sister: Ruth (Ted) Bruch of Bella Vista, AR; and many special nieces and nephews. A memorial fund has been established. Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home of Vinton is caring for Vivian and her family. Condolences may be left at www.vsrfh.com.