Edith Gaffner

Edith (Zobrist) Gaffner, 88, passed away peacefully at her home on May 5, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Edith was born on August 20, 1937, in Pocahontas, Illinois, to Fern (Meyer) and Delmar Zobrist. Brothers Melvin (Frances) and Eldon. She attended the Shawnee one-room schoolhouse and graduated from Pocahontas High School in 1954.

In June 1957, Edith married the love of her life, C.W. Gaffner, in Greenville, Illinois. Together they built a life on their family farm north of Greenville, where they worked side by side and milked dairy cattle for many years. Their partnership was rooted in hard work, faith, and devotion to family for over 68 years.

While helping support her family and working in the business office at Greenville University, Edith completed her college degree and fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. She taught briefly at Mulberry Grove before spending many years teaching in the Greenville school district, where she impacted countless students and families.

Edith was a willing volunteer, an active leader of a 4-H club for many years, and deeply involved in her community. Whether through mentoring youth, serving alongside neighbors, or giving of her time wherever there was a need, Edith lived a life of service to others. She was also a lifelong member of First Christian Church in Greenville, where her faith was the foundation of her life and the legacy she most desired to leave behind. Her greatest dream and fervent prayer was that all of her children and their children would come to know Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. That prayer was fulfilled, and in reflecting on this blessing, Edith often said, “My cup overfloweth, I am truly blessed.”

She is survived by her devoted husband, C.W. Gaffner; her brother, her children, Patti (Dan) Maurer, Lisa (Chris) Kuhl, Jerry (Sherri) Gaffner, Scott (Jamie) Gaffner, and Nancy (Nick) Walker; her grandchildren, David (Emily) Maurer, Katie (Kevin) Cooney, Andrew (Sierra) Maurer, Rachel (Ryan) Goodhue, Rebekah (Connor) Highlander, Robert Kuhl, Jonah (Quinn) Gaffner, Abby (Simon) Devlin, Hannah Gaffner, Ethan Davis, Anna Chute, Caleb Gaffner, Cody (Mackenzie) Gaffner, Nicholas (Neva) Walker, Gabe Walker, and Jeremiah Walker; along with numerous great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Bond Christian Service Camp https://www.bondcamp.com/

A visitation will be held at the First Christian Church Family Life Center in Greenville on Thursday, May 21, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

Edith will be remembered for her unwavering faith, dedication to education, servant’s heart, and deep love for her family. Her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched as a wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend.

Donnell–Wiegand Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Share a memory of Edith or leave a condolence to the family by visiting www.donnellwiegand.com.

Obit Provided By:
Donnell-Wiegand Funeral Home