Edna Ruth Mench

Edna Ruth Mench of Seaford, DE, passed away peacefully at her home on December 20, 2020, surrounded by family. She was 87 years old. Edna was born on November 5, 1933, to John Wesley and Florence Threisa Kelly McGinnis in Ridley Park, PA. Her family eventually re-located to Chestertown, MD, where she married “the boy next door” Franklin Lee Mench on January 31, 1953. After marriage, Edna and Frank made their home in Chestertown, where she worked for many years at Baltimore Business Forms and later retired. She then worked for a short time for LaMotte Chemical. Edna and Frank then built, owned, and operated Scott’s Point Marina, where they shared many years of good times with family, friends, and strangers. They welcomed everyone into the marina and into their home. The back of the marina sign read, “You don’t need an invitation to come back!” For many folks who visited the marina, the Chestertown Tea Party started off the beginning of summer. This celebration kicked off many weekends of music, dancing, food, drink, and memorable moments aka shenanigans. There were countless stories told by her and so many others about their days at the marina. Edna reminisced about her many fond memories at Scott’s Point Marina – you don’t realize that those days were “the good ole days" until they‘re gone. Christmastime was also a favorite for Edna. The door was open to all for Christmas dinner and a gift was always wrapped for those that popped in. Edna enjoyed boating, crabbing, crafting with family and friends, as well as collecting Department 56 Villages and Snow Babies. Edna loved her family and considered everyone she ever met as family. All who knew Edna were truly touched by her and were lucky to know a very sweet, kind, and loving lady. "Reds” was a nickname Frank affectionately called her. No matter the name by which you called her, “Ms. Edna," "Mom-Mom," "Aunt Edna," "Mrs. Mench," she holds a special place in many hearts. There was never any doubt that Edna cherished her family. She was the oldest of seven children, and she always cared for them when needed. Edna and her husband, Frank, had two children who preceded her in death, Michael Lee Mench and Karen Ruth Shaffer. Edna lost the love of her life, Frank, in 2017, whom she has greatly missed. She is also predeceased by her brother, John McGinnis; sister, Jean Ross; and brother-in-law, Wendell Ross. Edna is survived by two grandchildren, whom she helped raise, Melanie Lee Walls (Louis, Jr.) and Mark "Alan" Hill, II (Jessica), along with six great-grandchildren, Brandon, Kylie, Jeremy, and Justin Walls, and Aubree and Hannah Hill. She is also survived by her sisters, Doris Robinson, Connie Smith (Ben), Phyllis Rice (Clarke), and Deloris Holmes (Bruce), as well as many nieces, nephews, and long-time friends. Arrangements will be handled by Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam Funeral Home in Chestertown, MD. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 27, where friends may call from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m., and services from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. A live webcast will be available on the Fellows, Helfenbein, and Newnam website for those who prefer not to attend or are unable to attend in person. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Edna’s name to Vitas Hospice, www.vitascommunityconnection.org.

Edna Ruth Mench

November 5, 1933 - December 20, 2020