Edith A. Birbeck, 82, of St. Joseph, MO, formerly of Kelly, KS, died Monday afternoon, April 12, 2010, at Heartland East Hospital in St. Joseph.

Edith was born on December 25, 1927, on a farm southeast of Kelly, KS the daughter of John and Veronica Pettera Hutfles. She attended St. Bede’s School, and graduating from high school in 1946. Following graduation she moved to St. Joseph where she worked for Southwestern Telephone Company until she retired.

She was married on September 8, 1958 to Dr. Robert Birbeck; they later divorced.

She was a member of St. Joseph’s Cathedral and the Daughters of Isabella, both of St. Joseph.

Survivors are a son, William Birbeck; a daughter, Marcia Birbeck of Higginsville, MO; and a brother, Elmer Hutfles of Corning, KS.

She was preceded in death by sisters Mary Hutfles, Amelia Vondemkamp and Irene Crockett and brothers Ernest and John Hutfles.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 AM Friday, April 16, St. Bede’s Catholic Church in Kelly, KS. The burial will be in the church cemetery. Prior to the funeral mass, a rosary will be prayed at 10 AM Friday at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca.

Memorials may be given in Edith’s memory to St. Bede’s Cemetery.