Edna May Schaaf, 80, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at the home of her daughter in Fieldon, surrounded by the love of the family that had always been the greatest joy and purpose of her life.
She was born on July 31, 1946, in Hardin, Illinois, one of eight children born to the late Floyd and Rosie (Triplett) Follis. Raised in the close-knit community of Hardin, Edna learned early the values that would define her life: faith, family, hard work, and the importance of caring for others. She graduated with the Calhoun High School Class of 1964 and briefly worked for Olin Corporation until she quit to raise her family. Later, she became well known for the many seasons she spent making apple butter at Shirley Ringhausen's Orchard, where her steady work ethic and warm spirit made lasting friendships.
Of the jobs she held throughout her life, none were more meaningful to her than being a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and homemaker. She was an extraordinary seamstress making everything from dresses for her granddaughters to Raggedy Ann dolls, Memory Bears, and quilt tops. Her home was more than a place to live. It was a gathering place where family and neighbors were welcomed without hesitation, grandchildren were adored beyond measure, and everyone knew there would always be love waiting for them.
Edna married Clyde T. Charlton in June of 1966, and together they welcomed their son, Tom. Their time together was cut tragically short when Clyde was killed in a boating accident in 1968. Through unimaginable loss, Edna's faith and resilience carried her forward. She later married Charles Henry "Creamy" Schaaf on March 18, 1969, in Jerseyville. Together they built a life centered on love, faith, and family, and were blessed with two more children John and Kim. Charlie preceded her in death on August 29, 2022, after more than five decades of marriage.
Edna and Charlie made their home in Fieldon, where they became an integral part of the community they loved so dearly. She faithfully served as a member of the Fieldon United Church of Christ, giving generously of her time through the Christian Education Board and Church Council. She also cleaned the church for many years. Her faith was quiet but unwavering, reflected not only in her service to the church but in the kindness, compassion, and selflessness she extended to everyone around her.
She also devoted countless hours to her children's schools through the PTA and, over the years, lovingly cared for many neighborhood children, nieces, nephews, and grandchildren as a trusted babysitter during the week. To so many, she was a comforting presence, a patient listener, and someone who made children of all ages feel safe and loved.
Yet, above all else, family remained the center of Edna's world. There was nothing that brought her greater happiness than having those she loved close by. All three of her children established their homes and raised their own families within just a few blocks of where she and Charlie lived, a blessing she never took for granted. She cherished every opportunity to watch her grandchildren grow from infancy into adulthood, later embracing the role of great-grandmother with the same boundless love and pride.
She believed families should stay connected, not simply through holidays or special occasions, but through everyday life. She eagerly planned family reunions, made certain everyone stayed in touch, and worked tirelessly to preserve the closeness that meant so much to her. Even in her final days, one of her greatest wishes was that her family would continue to remain close, caring for and supporting one another just as she had always done. It is a legacy far greater than anything she could leave behind, one built not of possessions, but of love, unity, and unwavering devotion.
She is survived by her three children and their spouses, Tom and Marie Charlton, John and Wendy Schaaf, and Kim and Wes Scoggins, all of Fieldon; five grandchildren, Michael (Lindsey) Charlton of Dow, Courtney Charlton of Fieldon, Katelyn Scoggins of Bethalto, Sarah (Brandon) Handler of Alton, and Jacob Scoggins of Fieldon; six beloved great-grandchildren, Charlie Mae, Ronnie, Karli, Hudson, Everly, and Henry; her siblings, Robert Follis of Mulberry Grove, Shirley Smith of Batchtown, Carol Hutchison of Belton, Missouri, and Floyd (Chris) Follis of Fieldon; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Judy (Jerry) Roth of Jerseyville, Carol Ann Barnett of Mt. Sterling, William "Bill" Schaaf of Jerseyville, Barbara "Barb" Schaaf of Fieldon, Carolyn Schaaf of Jerseyville, and Marcia Schaaf of Griggsville; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, dear friends, and all whose lives were enriched by her love and kindness.
In addition to her parents and her husbands, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Linda Mortland, Alice Schaaf, and Virginia Weeks; her father-in-law, Julius "Dude" Schaaf; her mother-in-law, Cora Alice (Glenn) Varble; and her brothers and sisters-in-law, Lonnie Coughlin, Bob Weeks, Jim Bridges, Faye Follis, Carole Follis, Larry Smith, Glenn Hutchison, Marge Schaaf, Russell Schaaf, Robert "Bob" Schaaf, Donald "Don" Schaaf, and James "Jim" Schaaf.
Visitation will be held from 4 until 7 p.m., Monday, August 10, 2026, at Crawford Funeral Home in Jerseyville.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m., Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at Fieldon United Church of Christ.
She will be laid to rest beside Charlie at Fieldon Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to a charity of the donor's choice.
Although her family grieves the loss of the woman who held them together, they find comfort in the example she leaves behind. Edna showed them that a life well lived is measured not by what one accumulates, but by the love that is freely given, the faith that quietly endures, and the family that remains close because someone taught them how.
Memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.crawfordfunerals.com.
