Emma Louise Edgington, 78, of Newton, formerly of Grinnell, passed away on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at her home, surrounded by family and under the care of Affinity Care of Iowa.

A celebration of life gathering will be held at a future date. Smith Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family with arrangements.

If desired, memorial contributions may be directed to the Newton Fire Department. Cards and memorials may be mailed in care of Smith Funeral Home, P.O. Box 368, Grinnell, IA 50112.

Emma was born on September 13, 1948, in Montezuma, Iowa, to John and Dorothy (Gott) Whitehead. She was raised in Montezuma and graduated from Montezuma High School.

On March 11, 1967, she was united in marriage to Roger Edgington. Together, they were blessed with two children, Mike and Michelle. They raised their family in Gilman and Grinnell before relocating to Des Moines and Manchester for Roger’s work. They eventually settled in Newton, where they had made their home for the past 10 years.

Emma devoted much of her life to caring for others. A homemaker at heart, she was always a provider, whether tending to her own home or helping care for someone else’s. She worked as a cook for the United Church of Christ Preschool before becoming a full-time housekeeper. Her caring nature and willingness to help others were evident in both her work and her everyday life.

Known for her stubbornness and strong will, Emma was also deeply caring and devoted to the people she loved. Her family was the center of her world, and she especially treasured time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved following their activities and celebrating the many moments and milestones that made their lives special.

Emma and Roger enjoyed traveling together, especially choosing a destination and hitting the road, often stopping at casinos along the way. Emma also found joy in the simple pleasures of home and family. She enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, needlepoint, and canning the vegetables Roger grew. Gardening alongside Roger, tending to flowers and vegetables, and spending time with loved ones brought her happiness.

Emma is survived by her husband of 59 years, Roger Edgington; her children, Mike (Kelly) Edgington and Michelle (Joe) Bracy; her grandchildren, Olivia (Aaron) Burnett, Justin (Kristen) Edgington, Lexy Bracy, Aiden Bracy, and Adi Bracy; and her great-grandchildren, Theodore, Abraham, Fayeanna, Jacob, Cale, Bayler, and Brooklee. She is also survived by her siblings, George (Alice) Whitehead, Jenny (Greg) Fowler, and Vema (Larry) Ozborn.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Bill Whitehead, Linda Dontje, and Johnny Whitehead; and her niece, Mellissa Vinton.