Edith I. McElroy passed away on Friday, April 26, 2024, at Agrace Hospice in Fitchburg, WI. She was born on October 23, 1932, on her parent's farm in Johnstown Township, Rock County, WI, the daughter of Ralph and Clara (Duoss) Rye. Edith graduated from Whitewater High School (class of 1950), The National College of Education (class of 1954), in Evanston, IL, and pursued graduate studies at the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point. In her undergraduate program, her clinical & student-teaching experiences were at Jane Addam's Hull House Settlement School, Chicago, IL. All totaled, her elementary teaching career in the primary grades spanned across five decades at East Troy, Pardeeville, and Portage Schools. Edith married B. Wayne McElroy on September 7, 1957, at Rock Prairie Presbyterian Church, Janesville, WI. They made their home on Wayne's farm in Marcellon Township, Pardeeville, WI. Sadly after only twelve years of marriage, Wayne passed away on October 6, 1969, leaving Edith to raise their two young girls.   Edith was a member of the Portage Presbyterian Church, Women's Civic League of Portage, and Wisconsin Retired Educators' Association. In her congregation, she served on several boards and committees, sang with the choir, regularly sorted and organized materials in the church archives and many more unnamed things. She rarely turned down requests to help out around the church or in its service activities.     After retiring, Edith enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her granddaughter Laura, and brother Dean.  She was an avid traveler across the United States, Canada, and Norway. Until recently, she enjoyed frequent group trips with old and new friends traveling by trains, planes, and buses.   As a lifelong reader, there was always a stack of books and magazines at Edith's side.  She enjoyed many local community activities, especially those in the arts, literature, music, and theater.   Edith is survived by daughters Lois (Terry) Lindell, Donna Nadosy, granddaughter Laura Nadosy (Alex Spurley), the newest love of her life - her great grandson Gus, sister-in-law Linda Rye, niece Jennifer (Jason) Zenda, and great nephew Ian.  She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brother, and a sister, in infancy.   A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, June 8 at 11:00 am at the Portage Presbyterian Church with Pastor Dave Hankins officiating. A public visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at church. Following the service there will be a time for fellowship and a light luncheon.  Burial of the cremains will take place at the Marcellon Cemetery, rural Pardeeville (Hwy 44, 3 miles east of Pardeeville). Memorials may be made to the Portage Presbyterian Church or Agrace Hospice Foundation, Madison, WI.     The family would like to extend a special thanks to Kratz Funeral Home, and Edith's close friends whose friendship and caring support were with her to the end. Furthermore, a special thanks to the Agrace Hospice staff and volunteers for the care and compassion given to Edith.