Edith Bednar Obituary

Edith Bednar, beloved mother, grandmother and friend, passed away peacefully on July 25, 2025 in Hartville, Ohio at the age of 92.

Born on March 10, 1933 in Winona, Ohio, Edith was the daughter of Eldon and Florence Vandegrift. She graduated from Copley High School in 1950. At age 18, she began working in the payroll department of the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company.

Throughout her life, Edith was a source of unwavering faith, love, strength, and guidance to her family and friends. She married William Bednar on October 14, 1950 and together they built a life with love and cherished memories. Together they raised three children who will forever be grateful for her love and support.

Edith had a passion for growing beautiful flowers, which she enjoyed with great enthusiasm. She was known for her delicious flaky crust pies and her infectious smile.

Edith had a strong faith and was a mentor and encourager to many people during her lifetime. She always looked at the “glass half-full” and never empty and encouraged her children and friends to look for the “positive” in all things and in all people.

Edith and her husband started Portage Archery Center, a small archery store and shooting range in 1963. She taught hundreds of young people to shoot archery as part of the Junior Olympic Archery Development Program (JOAD). In 1994, they expanded their business to include crossbow manufacturing and became known as Hunter’s Manufacturing Company Inc./dba TenPoint Crossbow Technologies, which continues to be run by the family.

Edith is survived by her three children: Cindy Shaffer (Rodney), Richard Bednar (Tina), JoAnna Rolenz (Michael Kinser); brother Clair Vandegrift (Mary), sisters-in-law Carolina, Carol, and Annette Vandegrift, five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends who were touched by her warmth and kindness.

The family would like to express appreciation to the staff at The Homestead at Gentlebrook and Traditions Hospice Care for their loving care of Edith.

Calling hours will be held Tuesday, July 29th from 4 to 8pm at Hopkins Lawver Funeral Home, 547 Canton Rd. Akron, OH 44312. A funeral service to honor and celebrate Edith’s life will be held at Suffield United Church of Christ located at 1115 State Route 43, Mogadore (Suffield Twp.), Ohio 44260 on Wednesday, July 30th at 10am. Friends and family are invited to attend to pay their respects and share their memories. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Edith’s memory to the Suffield United Church of Christ which was close to her heart. Condolences and memories can be shared to hopkinslawver.com.