Edythe Mae Bork's Obituary
Edythe Mae Atteberry passed away on Sunday, October 26, 2025, at the age of 89 at her home in Oakley, Illinois after a two-year battle with myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS), blood cancer. She is now in the presence of her Savior, leaving behind a legacy of faith, hope and love.
Edythe Mae Atteberry was born on October 4, 1936, in Long Creek township, Macon County, Illinois the oldest daughter of Cecil and Nellie Mae Miller Atteberry. She lived most of her life on farms in Long Creek Township. Her family won the Macon County Farm Family of Illinois contest and then came in second at the State Fair in 1948. Edythe was active in 4-H, which is where she first met her future husband, Bernard Bork. She attended Casner Grade School and graduated from Cerro Gordo High School in 1954. After high school, Edythe worked at WS Garment Factory doing clerical work and then in the office of CA Cash Valve until her family began to grow. On April 24, 1955, she married her high school sweetheart, Bernard, having just returned home from army service in Germany after the Korean War. They were married at Trinity Lutheran Church in Decatur, Illinois and this became their faith family home where she was active in Adult Bible Study, Sunday School, and Altar Guild.
Edythe, together with her husband, built their first home and their retirement home on the family farm, which became an Illinois Century Farm in 2024, They raised three children, and Edythe managed the home and farm affairs. Her love for her family could best be described by service and presence. Whether it was running for parts, taking food to the field, playing with grandkids, or gifting you with a fresh pumpkin pie, she was available for the task at hand. Edythe’s roots run deep in Macon County, but her love of travel over the years took her to all fifty states with many extended visits. Traveling to see children and grandchildren at their events was a priority. One of Edythe’s greatest joys was her flower gardens. A visit usually included a tour of the yard to see just what was blooming, especially in the spring. Edythe’s love of gathering friends and family happened often during the holidays and in the fall to celebrate birthdays.
Edythe is survived by her husband of 70 years, Bernard Bork, children: Trudy & Thomas Heren, Atkins, Iowa, Dennis Bork, and Gayle Mae & Kerry Albert, Oakley, Illinois; Seven Grandchildren: Justin & Sarah Bork, Kaitlyn & Andrew Sell, Carson & Grady Sullivan, Kassandra & Peter Williams, Daniel & Jamie Heren, Kendall Mae Albert and Jarrett Albert & fiancé’ Cordelia Henkel. Eleven great grandchildren: Brynley & Sadie Mae Bork; Levi, Nora, Aden, & Thea Sell; Grayson Sullivan; Elsie Williams; Natalie, Emery, & Nico Heren; brother, Carl & Linda Atteberry and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Raymond Atteberry, and sister, Evelyn Atteberry Eads.
The family invites you to celebrate Edythe’s life in Christ with a service on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at 11am at Trinity Lutheran Church, 1969 E Johns Ave, Decatur, Illinois. Visitation will be one hour prior to the funeral service. Burial will follow at Ridge Cemetery, Oakley, Illinois. The family and friends are invited to gather for a meal at the family farm after 1:30pm.
Edythe shared her faith throughout her life, finding peace in knowing that her children and grandchildren also knew Jesus. She found comfort in her Savior until the very end.
Memorials in Edythe’s memory can be made to Trinity Lutheran Church, Decatur IL.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10
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