Edna and Claude Beachy in July 2013.

(by Harold Goerzen - Dec. 6, 2013) Edna Beachy only served at HCJB Global in Quito, Ecuador, for four years (1988-1992), but she left a lasting impression that continues to make a difference in people's lives today.

"The thing that I'm hearing from people in our church and at One Mission Society (OMS) was her deep spiritual commitment and her ready smile," said her husband, Claude, of 64 years. Edna died in Paoli, Ind., on Wednesday, Nov. 13, after years of declining health. She was 87.

A retired missionary, Edna had served at both OMS Radio Station 4VEH in Haiti and Radio Station HCJB in Quito. She was also a member of the Paoli Mennonite Fellowship and the Gideons International Auxiliary.

"When I met her in Quito in 1988, Edna catalogued and stored the program tapes for the station's English Language Service," related Ralph Kurtenbach, communications coordinator for the Latin America Region. "We'd visit as I thumbed through the archives and marveled at some of the station's audio history on those shelves. I was struck by her gentle spirit and quiet demeanor, completely content with her behind-the-scenes role at a powerful shortwave radio station."

John Beck, a former English radio program producer and broadcasting director, described Edna as a "wonderful role model for Christian wives and mothers."

Born to Christian parents, Eli and Amanda Yoder, Edna was born on Sept. 1, 1926. She grew up on a farm near Grantsville, Md., along with seven brothers and sisters, learning early the balance between work and play. She accepted Christ as her personal Savior as a child and experienced many wonderful times alone with the Lord. Daily Bible reading and prayer became a habit in her early teens, a practice she continued throughout her life.

Edna worked on her parents' farm before going to work for her uncle who was also a farmer. That's where she got acquainted with one of her uncle's employees, Claude Beachy. They also attended the same church and were married in southwestern Pennsylvania on Jan. 1, 1949. Despite facing financial challenges in their first two years of marriage, the circumstances only increased their dependence on God to meet every need.

Blessed with six children-three boys, and then after five years, three girls-Edna was kept occupied with motherhood responsibilities for more than 16 years. When the youngest children were all in school, Edna again had the opportunity to experience life outside the home. She enjoyed volunteering for the Red Cross at the local hospital and worked in a family business, assembling electronic components.

Although Claude had been on a mission trip to Haiti before, it wasn't until the spring of 1969 that yet another dimension was added to Edna's life as she and Claude celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary by taking a trip to Haiti. She was deeply impressed with the masses of humanity without Christ and the power of God at work through dedicated lives.

Even though the obstacles seemed overwhelming, God's strong call to full-time missions was unavoidable. As a result, the Beachys applied to OMS. Following a missionary internship and months of deputation, testing their faith to the limit, they were ready to begin ministry in Haiti.

In January 1971 Claude and Edna and their three daughters left for Haiti. "I directed the technical staff of 4VEH, a station broadcasting to Haiti and the Caribbean in four languages, both medium and shortwave," Claude shared. "This also meant that we needed to learn two new languages, French and Creole. While I was working with transmitters, antennas, studios and recording equipment, Edna was mother to our three daughters as well as working as a secretary in the radio work." She also helped translate letters from national pastors, workers and students to be sent to their sponsors in the U.S.

A change in their ministry came in 1988 when Claude and Edna were reassigned to Ecuador, serving as missionaries on loan to HCJB Global. "This meant another new language for us, so we spent time in concentrated Spanish study upon arriving in Ecuador," Claude said. "The situation at HCJB was unique. While in Haiti I was for years the primary engineer, but in Ecuador I was one of a staff of 25 to 30 engineers." While Claude concentrated on technical equipment, Edna served quietly behind the scenes in the English Language Service.

Edna Beachy 1926-2013

After retiring in 1992, the Beachys continued to be active in Christian service, often returning to both Haiti and Ecuador for short periods of time to help on various projects.

"Since retirement we were able to spend more time with our children and grandchildren," related Claude. They pursued hobbies such as traveling, gardening, raising chickens and conversing with ham radio operators. "After Edna's heart attack several years ago and subsequent complications, we were more limited in our activities and did less travel and spent more time at home."

In addition to her husband, Edna is survived by six children, John Beachy, James Beachy, David Beachy, Kristine Gehman, Karen Hartfield and Karla Litwiller, as well as 15 grandchildren and one great-grandson.

A memorial service was held at Paoli Mennonite Fellowship in Paoli, Ind., on Monday, Nov. 18, with Pastor Rebecca Kauffman officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be sent to Gideons International or 4VEH.

Sources: HCJB Global, ARMS Christian Fellowship Group