Edith Shroka Cordle

Edith Shroka Cordle passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 24, 2014, with the eldest of her three daughters at her bedside. For 79 years Edith lived a life marked by her devotion to God, her joyful spirit in life, and her selfless love for others. Her joy for life and devotion to God is clearly evident when acknowledging her three beautiful daughters Lore, Cathy, and Jeannie. Edith's three daughters grew up to marry, and have families of their own whereby she became "Granny". Though seemingly impossible, Granny's love for her family became more and more abundant as she extended the same joy for life, and selfless love, to her many grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
What could be mistaken as a quirky individual was in reality a very resourceful, strong woman who was ready and willing to do anything as she went about raising her daughters, and then later in life when enjoying activities with her grandchildren. Her skills were countless. She had a recipe for everything. In fact, it is rumored that modern recipes can all be traced back to Granny's cookbook. To say she could sew would be an understatement. She made her own clothes, her children's clothes, and then taught them all how to sew when they were old enough to do so. She was noticeably present as she actively participated in the education of her children. As one might need help with school work she'd help, and when they struggled, she was patient and understanding. It is notable that she would even do this for other's children who needed it whenever possible. She was always present at all of her daughters' school events, including all sports events. She'd actually participate too! Once when playing ball with her girls she twisted her knee really bad yet, in the spirit of fun, she wouldn't allow such an accident to stop her taking interest in the life of her Family. Her grandchildren were blessed to have similar experiences as well. Despite the fact she didn't know how to swim she jumped at an opportunity spend time with them when asked to go tubing behind a boat. She survived...
She was a survivor... She embodied the definition of the word. Even though the last years of her life were affected by Alzheimer's, there were so many things even this condition could not take from her. Granny loved to sing... Whenever anyone visited her at Summitview of Rocky Top where she spent her later years, she would sing to them. She would get up and sing with any group that came to sing to the residents of Summitview. She insisted on caring for others. Even her caretakers at Summitview of Rocky Top would agree. Ask them if they know Edith and they'll most likely respond with a smile and begin to tell you a story about how much they cared for her. You could say it was a mutually blessed relationship between Edith and the staff at Summitview... It was like family taking care of family. Needless to say, at a time when Alzheimer's leaves most an empty shell of the person they once were, Granny had a light from within that continued to shine. She remained remarkably kind and joyful through it all and with the energy of youthful child was intent on fighting "father time" even to her last breath. Edith.... Granny.... Mom... We pray God blesses you in heaven with an equal or greater blessing than you were to us on earth.
Granny was preceded in death by Raymond "Ray" Shroka, or Papa, as everyone called him; and her second husband, Gerald Cordle, whom she married much later in life after Papa passed away. She was also preceded in death by her parents, Marjorie Hill and Fred Rouhselang, as well as her brother, Tom Rouhselang; her granddaughters, Trisha and Erin; her son-in-law, Dan Owsley, and her brother in law Otto Bowen. Granny is survived by her siblings: Charlotte Bowen, Ron Rouhselang and his wife Vash, Carol Weiss and her husband Dave, Mary Wright and her husband Rich, and Bob Rouhselang. She is also survived by her daughters Lore Heavilin, Cathy Owsley, and Jeannie Houston; and her sons-in-law, Bill Heavilin and Curt Houston. She is also survived by her many grandchildren and their families: Kristy and Jeff, and their children, Hannah and Sarah; Taylor, and her son Colin; Keith and DeeAnna, and their children, Annabelle and Graham; Jon; Alex; ; Neal and Lauren, and their children Hunter, Kylan and Jace; Nicholas and Shanna, and their daughter Adeline; Nolan, and his wife Natalie; Kelly and her husband William; and Emily and her husband Kel.
The family asks that donations in lieu of flowers be made to the activities department at Summitview of Rocky Top, the nursing home that cared so well for Granny in her last days.
The checks need to be made out to:
Summitview of Rocky Top Resident Trust and Meghan Surgenor
Mail to:
Summitview of Rocky Top
204 Industrial Park Rd
Rocky Top, TN 37769
Receiving of friends will be at Martin Oak Ridge Funeral Home on Saturday January 17th from 6-7pm. Edith's celebration of Life service will follow at 7pm.