Edythe Newkirk

Edythe E. Newkirk of Comstock, Michigan passed away on Christmas Eve, 2023, at the age of 90. Edythe was the daughter of the late Leslie and Myldred (Copeland) Tyler.

Edythe was born in Kalamazoo, MI, on June 5, 1933 and spent most of her life in Comstock. She married William "Bill" Newkirk on December 24, 1953- 70 years ago to the date of her passing. Edythe was a beautiful soul, and that showed in her 30+ years of driving a school bus for Comstock Public Schools, as well as the Special Education Department. She retired from education in 1995. Following this, she drove for the Commission for the Blind for seven years, retiring in 2002. Edythe had many special friends, some of them originating from Freewill Baptist Church, Comstock, MI, where she attended for many years.

Preceding her in death are her parents; her sister, Marvlynn Dean and brother, Huburt Tyler; as well as a special niece, Sandra Elwell. Edythe is survived by her daughter, Leslie (Daniel) Butcher and son, Bradley Newkirk; five grandchildren: Bree (Lanny) Lynn Lafferty, Bryan (Michelle) Butcher, Brett (Amanda) Butcher, Blake and Tyler Newkirk; ten great grandchildren: Megan Butcher, Paige and Emma Lafferty, Bryce, Tristian and Braden Butcher; Jaden, Sophie, and Bella Butcher, and Ashton Newkirk; sisters-in-law Elaine Kidder and Trudy Ramgrim.

Private scattering of cremated remains will take place at a later time at Fort Custer National Cemetery, 15501 Dickman Road, Augusta, MI 49012, with her late husband.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Bureau of Services for Blind Persons Training Center - Kalamazoo, 1541 Oakland Dr, Kalamazoo, MI 49008.