Edith Elliott Tweedy, 95, died at her rural Montrose home Wednesday morning, Oct. 29, 2014. Edith Evangeline was born at home Nov. 8, 1918, in Van Buren County, Iowa to Cora (Gaston) and Leonard Elliott. She was the middle of three sisters who grew up in Donnellson during the Great Depression. She was a 1936 graduate of Donnellson High School. Edith met Hughie Tweedy at the Bluff Park roller rink above Montrose. They were members of the Valley Dusters motorcycle club, eventually eloping to Kahoka, Mo., on Dec. 30, 1941. Before her marriage, and during Hughie's three years in New Guinea during WWII, Edith was a telephone operator in Donnellson. She was a life member of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary. She loved to travel including several Harley motorcycle trips with Hughie through the West (back when cycles were kick-started). In 1985, with Alta Bangert, she hiked in the mountains and panned for gold with Richard Proenneke at Twin Lakes, Alaska. Edith walked across Iowa in 1996 with the Mormon Trail wagon train re-enactment. She was known as an honest, kind and optimistic woman who was accepting of all people. She loved to read nonfiction from their home library when she wasn't writing cards and letters or in her daily journal. Edith was her family's historian and archivist, known for planning countless reunions. Some will remember her as "that flea market lady" who enjoyed visiting with her customers. Edith was a fitness walker and also wore out three stationary bikes before she slowed down six years ago. She was especially proud of her children and grandchildren and their many accomplishments. Every month she looked forward to the family's Fourth Sunday gatherings at her home. Until her last day, her family's love gave her a fulfilling and happy life. Edith was the beloved matriarch of a very close family. She is survived by two daughters, Elaine Foley of Montrose and Esther Tweedy of Donnellson, their husbands Mike Foley and David Bangert, and her son Hughie Tweedy of Montrose; thirteen grandchildren, Heather Foley, Brook (Mike) Wiese, Clay (Amanda) Foley and Larry Haynes; Kellie Whitmore (Kevin) Koch, Jon Whitmore and Will (Chloe Millward) Whitmore; Eliza Bangert (Mike Sherry) and Luther Bangert; Luke Tweedy (Cortnie Widen), Emily Tweedy (Mike Beckert) and Hugh Tweedy. Thirteen great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren also were enjoyed by their Grandma Tweedy. Two sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Dresser and Elsie Tweedy, also survive in addition to numerous nieces and nephews. Edith will be missed by many close friends and family across the country. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Hughie Tweedy in 1979; a daughter Elyse and her husband Harold Whitmore; and both sisters, Maxine Hughes and Edla Hoenig. Friends and family are invited to a celebration of her life on her 96th birthday, Saturday, Nov. 8, from 2-5 p.m., at the gym in the old Donnellson High School, 712 Orchard St., where she made many happy school memories. According to her wishes, her body has been donated to the University of Iowa Anatomy Dept. Her ashes will be buried later at Sandusky Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Donnellson Public Library building fund, P.O. Box 290, Donnellson, Iowa 52625.