Edra Mae Tew

Edra Mae Tew, 94, passed away on November 8, 2022, at Edencrest at Riverwoods.

Edra was born August 25, 1928, in Des Moines to Martin and Hilda (Moore) Tew. Her mother died when she was 6 years old. Her father kept the children together and did his best to raise his six children as a single dad during the Great Depression. Edra, being one of the oldest, took over many roles around the house and became an excellent cook and baker – her chocolate cake is legendary in the family. She was a strong woman and became the matriarch of the family. She first lived in Highland Park and then moved to Des Moines’ Southside 45 years ago. Edra was always there for family and friends and prided herself on taking care of her home and family. Edra worked for Traveler’s Insurance Company for 38 years, starting in the building of downtown Des Moines with the red umbrella.

She was a huge baseball fan; she especially loved the Chicago Cubs. This started while in high school, going to all the local Iowa Bruins games, which became the Iowa Oaks and now the Iowa Cubs. She and her best friend always had the same seats at the games and become friends with the players and their families. In recent years, the family gathered for Sunday afternoon games at the I-Cubs and rented a skybox so that they could watch the game and have family time as well. Edra also loved bowling and participated in league bowling for many years. She, along with family and friends traveled to many Annual Woman’s International Bowling Congress Tournaments (WIBC).

Edra enjoyed traveling with family and friends. Favorite trips included California, Hawaii, Washington, DC, and Las Vegas. In later years she explored new areas on bus trips, she especially enjoyed Tama and trips to Branson over the Christmas holiday.

Edra will be remembered as a kind and caring soul with a touch of tenacity to keep the family together and strong. She was always there to help in any way that she could.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her sisters, Helen Hodson and Grace Tew; sister-in-law, Mary Tew; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings, Martin E. Tew, Jr., Frances Tew, and Paul Tew; and her brother-in-law, Gerald Hodson.

The family will greet friends Wednesday, November 23, 2022, from 9 am to 10 am with the funeral service to follow at 10 am at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Edra will be laid to rest at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Cancer Society in loving memory of Edra.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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