Hyde Park bids loving farewell to town's mum, Edna Mae Balls

By Lexie Kite

March 23, 2005 | HYDE PARK -- The words on Edna Mae Balls Johnson's funeral program read, "A mother holds her children's hands for a while, but their hearts for a lifetime." Edna Mae was a mother to the entire community, and while she may have passed on, she will forever hold the hearts of Hyde Park residents.

Twenty-five of Edna Mae's granddaughters stood at her funeral Friday and sang the words, "A mother's hands reflect a life of service, a life of sacrifice for those she loved."

Minutes later, hundreds of funeral attendees stood when asked how many had received a hand-crafted gift from Edna Mae. However, hundreds more people inevitably relate to Diane Jensen, a resident of Hyde Park, who said Edna Mae has given her much more than a simple craft: she has been given a special gift and unforgettable memories.

Jensen said her son, Nathan, was diagnosed with leukemia at age 14. In December of 1987, after returning from cancer treatments several states away, she said her family hadn't had time to even consider the holidays.

"One night near Christmas, Edna Mae and her husband came to our home dressed as Mr. and Mrs. Claus," she said. "They took us on their laps, one after another, and told us how much Santa loved us. My kids never knew it was Edna Mae, and she'd deny it every time she was asked, but I knew that sweet little face anywhere."

While her son has passed on, Jensen said the special memory of that Christmas is one she will always treasure. "Before that time, I had only known Edna Mae from a distance. The Christmas thing really attached me to them, and every time I saw her after that, I had to hug her," she said.

Marsha Hymas, long-time friend of Edna Mae, said she has also been the recipient of her lifetime of selflessness. "Even though she had 10 kids of her own, she was always surrounded by many more than that," she said.

Edna Mae babysat in her home for over 20 years, and Hymas said her children were among the many cared for there.

"My daughters loved being tended in her home," she said. "Her house was always full of children and all sorts of homemade goodies."

Peggy Bunce, one of Edna Mae's daughters, said, "She truly opened her home and her heart to children. I can't even count how many kids my mom had in her home over the years.

"When it came time to feed all those kids, she could make a can of soup go further than I have ever seen," she said.

Those who spent time in her home remember more than the aroma of home-cooked meals and the relentless number of children, they remember Edna Mae's love of dolls.

"She loved to collect all sorts of dolls," Hymas said. "One day, I remember going there and seeing she had rooms full of them."

Bunce said, "We often teased Mom that when she was gone, we'd have to sell the house as-is because she had so many dolls."

Edna Mae's love of dolls was not enough to keep them to herself, though. Her love for those in need was much more powerful.

When sharing memories of their mother at her funeral, Edna Mae's daughters said, "We'll all remember her daily trips to Deseret Industries to buy toys and dolls and fix them up for the needy."

Edna Mae and her husband, Joseph Glen, would regularly visit hospitals and find those in need to brighten their day with a gift and a smile.

"We have all developed a true spirit of giving because of Mom's example," her daughters said.

If Hyde Park's residents were to dwell on Edna Mae's life of giving, they, too, would agree she is a "beacon of strength" as her son, Jamie Johnson, rightfully described her. Throughout times of trial and tribulation, she worried about those around her before ever thinking of her own needs.

Having spent a lifetime of service in Hyde Park, Edna Mae has touched the hearts of countless residents through her selfless acts and love for all. As the mother of her community, Edna Mae Johnson held her children's hands for 75 years, but she will truly hold their hearts forever.

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