Edna Ellen Payne Belew was born March 27, 1913, in the rural community of Iloand near Harmon. Oklahoma. She was the daughter of Martin Fredrich and Minnie Birl (Little) Payne. She died January 16. 1997, in the Woodward hospital at the age of 83.
In her early years, her family moved to eastern Oklahoma where her father worked on a pipeline. At the age of 13, the family moved to Camargo, Oklahoma on a farm. After several years, the family moved near Harmon where Edna finished her schooling. Afterwards, she worked in various homes caring for the elderly.
On November 22, 1934, Edna was united in marriage to Garland (Budley) Belew in Arnett, Oklahoma. They made their home in Vici, Oklahoma. They had 8 children, Charlene, Jettie Ann, twins Jerry Lee and Larry Leon, 2nd twins Garland Marcus and Darlene Ruth who died soon after birth, Dolores Maxine, and Ricky Lynn. Edna and Budley operated the Vici Creamery for 6 years. She later severed as the Town of Vici’s Treasurer for over 20 years. Starting In 1960, she worked 18 years for the Vici Schools as the cafeteria cook, and later the cafeteria supervisor. She loved all the school kids and was always happy to help them. She also loved her family and children and would do whatever was needed to care for them. She dearly loved caring for her 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.
Edna enjoyed reading, crocheting, working on crafts, and quilting. She received the Distinguished Award of Service from the Town of Vici, and the Red Carpet Aging Services Award. She was a member of the Vici Church of Nazarene for over 50 years. She served as a Sunday School and, Vacation Bible School Teacher, President of the Church Missionary, and Chairman of the Funeral Dinners, and in 1994, Mother of the year in her church. If the church doors were open, you could count on Edna being there. Edna will be remembered sitting on her porch enjoying the day the Lord has made.