Edward Ralph Blythe

EDWARD RALPH BLYTHE

Burlington

Edward Ralph Blythe, 77,

of Burlington, died from complications of dementia at 10:15 a.m. Sunday, December 26, 2021, at the Klein Center

in West Burlington.

Born May 21, 1944, in Burlington, he was the son of Jack Blythe and Mae Kephart. He married Patricia Ann Nelson and they were later divorced. On October 21, 1978, he married Susan Benedict

in Burlington.

He served his country in the United States National Guard.

Edward was a member of Community of Christ Church in Burlington, where he was ordained as a Teacher and First Congregational Church in Burlington. He loved working outside, watching sports and collecting baseball cards. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye, St. Louis Cardinal and Kansas City Chiefs fan. Edward also liked mowing the yard, feeding the birds, volunteering for hospital visits with his church and watching country westerns. He loved his dogs throughout his life, Bo, Bear, Duke and Garbo.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Susan Blythe of Burlington; three sons, Todd (Barb) Blythe of West Burlington, Richard (Michelle) Blythe of Chariton and Mark (Amy Nichol) Blythe of Chicago, IL; four grandchildren, Sherell Hernandez, Krystal Reynolds, Sara Blythe and Alexander Blythe; three step-grandchildren, Jared Ritenour, Austin Ritenour and Jacen Reed; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Stanley (Kathy) Blythe of Wyaconda, MO, and Leonard "Ike" (Lois) Blythe of Burlington; and a sister, Joyce (Paul) Patton of West Point.

He was preceded in death by his parents; half-brother, Fred Messer; half-sister, Florence Messer; sister, Sue Woods; half-sister, Barbara Cuggino; and step-mother, Cartha Blythe.

Family will receive friends from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at Prugh-Thielen Funeral Home. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 virus, the family requests that those planning to attend please wear a mask or face covering.

The funeral service for Mr. Blythe will be 10 a.m.Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home with Elder Al Ourth officiating. Full military honors will be rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. A time of food and fellowship will be held in the community room at Prugh~Thielen Funeral Home following the burial.

A memorial has been established for the Alzheimer's Association.

Prugh Funeral Service is in care of the arrangements.