Edith was born on May 23, 1910, in Grinnell, Iowa to Thomas B. and Myrtle Bell Cole Jenkins. She was raised in Grinnell and graduated from Grinnell High School. She began her career with the Interior Telephone Company in Grinnell and later worked as a telephone operator for the General Telephone Company. She moved to Iowa City in April of 1990. While living in Grinnell she was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She is survived by her two nephews, Brad (Kelsey) Jenkins of Iowa City and Joe (Cheryl) Jenkins Jr. of Lake Stevens, Washington; one niece, Diane (Kelley) Arnold of University Place, Washington; and grand nephews and nieces, Kate, Hope, Jamie, Joshua, Jill Jenkins, John and Dean Arnold. She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Earl, Eugene, Orville and Joseph Jenkins; and two sisters, Marjorie Kelly and Louise Jenkins; and one grand nephew, Dan Arnold.