Tribute: Edna Lenhart Aikens

Edna joined her beloved husband of 63 years, John, on August 2, 2016 at the age of 96. She is survived by her daughter Denise, sons Mark and Curt, and their families. A cherished mother and devoted wife, Edna will always be remembered for her warmth and welcoming spirit, sweet disposition and deep love for and pride in her family.

Born at home on a wheat farm homestead near Odessa to Henry and Johanna (Richter) Lenhart, Edna's adventurous spirit led her on an exciting journey that would include seeing the world. She graduated from Dryden High School as valedictorian at 16 and attended Central Washington College of Education, graduating with a teaching credential in three years. Edna's love of children led to her teaching second and third grades for seven years before joining the Pan American family as a stewardess and purser for 2 ½ years on DC3s and 4s. Based in Seattle and flying to Alaska and Hawaii, she met her flight engineer husband, John, in Fairbanks in 1947. After being transferred to New York, they settled in Redwood City, California, where John was based out of SFO.

Edna loved raising her family and travelling internationally with her husband and children. She always kept in touch with life-long Pan Am friends and was a member of the World Wings International Philanthropic organization. Always close to her three sisters, Martha Lenhart Kirstein, Marie Lenhart Chittick, and Hanna Lenhart Heimbigner, Edna's extended family cherished her great spunk, delightful personality, sense of humor and, especially in her later years, her quiet elegance and grace. Edna's legacy is a life well lived with a beautiful, calm demeanor that was always an inspiration to others. We will sorely miss her complete and unconditional love.