Lorena May Edwards

Lorena May Edwards, 94, quietly slipped away to Jesus on Monday, January 8, 2018, in the arms of her daughter and surrounded by her son-in-law and the caring staff of The Waters of Lebanon Nursing Home, where she had been a resident for the last year of her life. Lorena was born on September 27, 1923 in Indianapolis, Indiana, the daughter of the late Noah and Maude Kincaid. She was married to Burnice Ruhl Edwards on July 26th, 1941. Lorena attended elementary school in Advance, Indiana and attended high school in Indianapolis. She lived in Advance for many years and later moved to Lebanon, IN where she lived until the time of her death. Lorena worked at the former Oak Park Manor Nursing Home, now The Waters of Lebanon, as a nurse aid for many years in the 1970’s and 80’s, and was also employed for a time at the English Nursing Home in Lebanon. She loved her work and took pride in her care for the elderly and handicapped. It was her passion in life to care for those who could not care for themselves. Lorena was known by family and friends for her dedication to her handicapped daughter, Sharon, who she lovingly cared for until she was 84 years old and could no longer care for her in her home. Even then, she devoted her time to visiting the nursing home where Sharon resided, and remained a loving and devoted mother well into her 90’s, until Sharon preceded her in death in 2014. In addition to her parents, Lorena was preceded in death by her husband, Burnice Ruhl Edwards in 1980; two brothers and their wives, James Charles (Lucille) Kincaid and Gurney Olin (Martha) Kincaid, both of Michigan; two sisters, Edna Marie (Carl) Mitchell of Advance, IN, and Patricia Ann Hale of Linton IN. She is survived by one daughter, Deborah Strychalski and son-in-law, Charles Strychalski of Lebanon; one brother, Albert (Mary) Kincaid, of North Salem, Indiana; brother-in-law, Hurshel Hale, of Linton Indiana; two grandsons, and their families, Christopher and Heather Strychalski of Northville, MI, Joseph and Carol Strychalski of Austin, Texas; and two great-granddaughters, Addington and Eviarly Strychalski of Northville, Michigan. She also is survived by 14 nephews and nieces, all of whom she deeply loved. She will be greatly missed and never forgotten by her daughter, family, neighbors and friends. Lorena was a member of Grace Baptist Church of Lebanon, IN where she attended, until her health no longer permitted. She also loved attending church services at the nursing home and had a life-long love of music. She had a beautiful alto voice and loved singing, both in church and with family members, and her voice will be sadly missed by her friends and family. Visitation will be held at Myers Mortuary in Lebanon from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 11th with funeral service beginning at 1:00 p.m. Pastor Jason Grubbs of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church will be officiating. Interment will follow services at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lebanon, Indiana. Memorials may be made in her honor to Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, Mission Funds, 7300 South State Road 267, Lebanon, Indiana 46052.

Lorena May Edwards

September 27, 1923 - January 8, 2018