Edith Putman Lerch, 84, of Conover, passed away Saturday, July 24, 2021, at Abernethy Laurels in Newton following a period of declining health.
She was born March 17, 1937, in Middletown, Conn., to the late George Bertram Putman and Edith Abram Putman.
Edith was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Startown and enjoyed studying nature, rock collecting and hiking. Edith served at various times as a naturalist at a number of county, state and national parks.
A woman of strong faith, she supported her husband, Malcom, a Lutheran pastor, in various capacities in the congregations he served.
She deeply cherished her family and always had a smile and kind words for all who knew her.
Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 60 years, Malcom A. Lerch of the home; and daughter, Mary Edith Lerch Kraft and husband Ralph of Newton.
A service to celebrate Edith’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 29, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Startown. The Rev. O. Ralph Kraft Jr. will officiate. Burial will follow at St. James Lutheran Church in Newton.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 28, at Bennett Funeral Service in Newton.
Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 3761 Startown Road, Newton, NC 28658; or St. James Lutheran Church, 1942 St. James Church Road, Newton, NC 28658.
Condolences may be sent to the Lerch family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com.
The Lerch family is in the care of Bennett Funeral Service of Newton, 828-465-2111, www.bennettfuneralservice.com.