Edna H. Magdych 1928-2026

Born Oct. 10, 1928, on the central plains of Canada, Edna grew up in a hardworking family of German immigrants. She was raised alongside one brother and four sisters, learning practical skills on the homestead. Known for her resourcefulness and contentment, Edna rarely, if ever, complained and always spoke kindly of others. Her parents, Rudolph and Hulda Rueb, instilled in her a love for family, music and a deep respect for the Bible.

A turning point in Edna’s life came during college when her aunt and uncle showed her in the Bible that God has a name–Jehovah (Psalm 83:18, KJV). This discovery deeply moved her, and in 1947 she was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. From then on, Edna dedicated her life to helping others learn what the Bible teaches. She volunteered wherever needed, serving in Canada and New York, and later traveling by steamship to Uruguay and on to Brazil as a trained missionary. Over the years, she learned five languages to share her faith.

While attending Gilead Missionary School in New York in 1951, Edna met Jack Magdych, a good-humored, blue-eyed young man from Ohio. After years of writing letters across countries, they married on Sept. 17, 1955, in Rio de Janeiro. Their first daughter was born in Brazil before they returned to Ohio to raise their family. Together, Jack and Edna created cherished memories while working hard and sharing their faith. They were known for their kindness, hospitality and unwavering devotion. Edna often said her greatest joy was seeing her children grow up to make good decisions and be helpful to others.

Edna was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; her brother; and three sisters.

She is survived by her sister, Lorraine Foott of Ontario, Canada; her children, Deborah (James) Kingsley, Charlene (Bob) Conner, Doug (Danielle) Magdych, Autumn (Greg) Pastor, Valerie (Jim) Bishop and Julianne (Joe) Hindes; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandson.

Donations may be made at JW.org to support the educational work to which Edna devoted her life. The Magdych family extends heartfelt thanks to all who cared for Edna in her final days, including healthcare workers and hospice staff, for their kindness and respect.

Memorial arrangements will take place at 4 p.m. (EST) on Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, at Jefferson Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 1032 E. Jefferson St./State Route 46, Jefferson, OH 44047. Zoom tie-in is available upon request.

(special notice)