Edith Maude Pullen Boston died on November 16, 2006 in Charleston after a brief illness.

Edith was born on April 16, 1905 in the town of Alma in south-central Illinois where her father owned and operated a general store. Edith was the second of nine children born to Burden Gex Pullen and Delilah Jane Williams. During her childhood, she became an accomplished athlete despite the cultural norms of that time. She married her high school sweetheart, Ray Dewhirst Boston on June 30, 1928 after obtaining her BA in Music and Physical Education from the University of Illinois. She and her husband were long-time residents of Centralia, IL, during which time she helped her husband operate an X-ray and medical laboratory for 40 years. The couple had two children, Richard, and Edith Sue Boston Sergent of Charleston. Edith was an active performer in the Centralia Symphony, where she played cello and, sometimes, violin. She taught a number of children the piano, violin, and cello at her home. She loved to garden, and was especially fond of roses. Edith was an enthusiastic fisher and loved the outdoors. Ray and Edith were lifelong St. Louis Cardinals' fans, witnessing ten World Series in her lifetime. Following the death of her husband of 74 years in 2002, she moved to Charleston to be with her daughter. She spent her remaining years at Charleston Gardens.

In addition to her daughter, Edith is survived by four grandchildren, Michael Proops, Charleston, WV, Dr. Douglas Proops, Dhaka, Bangladesh, Russell Proops, Plymouth, MN, and Dr. Carol Proops Milam, Nashville, TN, and seven great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be sent to the First United Methodist Church in Centralia, Illinois.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 21, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar. Burial will take place in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Centralia, IL, at a later date.

Visitation will be held beginning at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 21, at Keller Funeral Home, Dunbar.