Obituary of Edith Case

Edith Case, age 96, of Osage Beach, Missouri, departed this life on Sunday, February 28, 2010. Edith, a first generation American, was born on May 22, 1913, in East St. Louis, Illinois, the daughter of Martin and Urta (Benedick) Shimkus, both immigrants from Lithuania. She married Leo Lester Case. This union produced one son, Leo Lester Case, Jr. Edith started her work life with the May Company, introducing nylon stockings along the East Coast. She and her husband, Leo, owned various businesses in the St. Louis area�an ice-cream and snack company in East St. Louis, Sun-Rite Bottling Company with plants in St. Louis, Sikeston, and Memphis, and the Northgate Drive-In in Collinsville, Illinois. After Leo developed serious health problems, they purchased the Antlers Resort in Osage Beach in 1959. After Leo�s death in 1964, Edith continued to operate the resort until 1971. Edith then became Executive Housekeeper at Tan-Tar-A. In 1975, Edith and her son purchased the Tower Restaurant in Lake Ozark. Edith operated Case�s Tower Restaurant until its sale in 1991. After about a year of retirement, Edith decided she needed something to keep her busy. So in 1992, at the age of 79, she became a greeter at Wal-Mart in Osage Beach. She continued working as a greeter for over 15 years, until her health would no longer allow her to do so. Edith was always a workaholic, devoting the majority of her time to her businesses. But during the time that Edith and her husband owned the Sun-Rite Bottling Company, Edith acquired something few women of the time had�a pilots license, so both she and Leo could fly between the plants when necessary. Edith even used this skill when her son was flying an ultra-light aircraft. She made a short flight with it. However, Edith did make time for one other interest. For many years, Edith was actively involved in Eastern Star, holding many different positions, including Worthy Matron. Edith was preceded in death by her parents, Martin and Urta Shimkus; two sisters, Martha and Johanna; and her husband, Leo Lester Case, Sr. She is survived by her son, Leo Lester Case, Jr. and daughter-in-law, Patricia, of Osage Beach, Missouri, and two granddaughters, Cristin L. Case, of Osage Beach and Leslie L. Case, of Kansas City, Missouri.