Edythe Lorraine Toates, age 101, of Nixa, Missouri, passed away in her home Sunday April 23, 2017. Edythe "wanted to go on Sunday, and she didn't want to be late". She was born December 18, 1915 in Rutland, South Dakota, the daughter of LeRoy and Lida Viola (Brown) Pickard. She was married to William Josiah Toates February 16, 1934. She and Bill worked hard on the farm homesteaded by Bill's grandfather near Colman, South Dakota, "Sunnyside Stock Farm". Edythe canned and froze produce from her garden every year. She raised and sold eggs to help support the family, and was frugal and Godly in all she did. They operated a dairy business, selling milk to the local cheese factory. As a seamstress, she sewed clothing for her children. Edythe loved her church, and enjoyed playing the piano and organ, teaching Sunday School and Bible School, and helping with Bible camp. When Bill became unable to work on the farm, they moved to Nixa. Bill passed away in 1994. Edythe continued to keep busy, volunteering at St. John's Good Buy Shop, presenting beautiful tatting creations to her friends and family, and being a faithful member of Victory Baptist Church in Nixa.

Survivors include: six children and their spouses, Raymond and LaNell Toates of Nixa, Joseph and Georgianna Toates of Greenville, South Carolina, Lois and Joseph Fahl of Nixa, Helen and Jim Adams of Strafford, Missouri, Betty and Paul Powers of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, and Phyllis and Dan Smith of Vermontville, Michigan; daughter-in-law Maridee Toates, Flandreau; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband and son John.