Edith J. (Selner) Ament passed away on June 1st, 2021 at the age of 96 in Apopka, FL in the loving care of her daughter Cheri, son-in-law Mark, and granddaughters Michelle, Sara and Holly. She was born January 11th, 1925 to Joseph and Esther (Trottman) Selner. She grew up in Kewaunee, WI, her birthplace, and spent much time on the Lake Michigan shore. Some of her fondest memories included riding her horse, “Toots” (short for Tootsie), up and down the beach and bluffs by her house. Prior to college she worked for a Kewaunee physician. She took immense pride in her medical aptitude and how she was able to both assist and handle emergency procedures for the local M.D. when he was tied up and unavailable “on call.” She considered a pursuit of medicine prior to her decision to start a family. Edie met her husband, Jake (Jacob) Ament, while they both attended UW Madison. They were married on November 2nd, 1946. After college they stayed in Madison until her husband finished law school. They then moved to Merrill, WI with their son, Jack, where their family grew with the birth of their sons Rich (Randy), Russ (Russell) and daughter, Cheri. Edie was devoted to her husband and kids. She was a ‘Mama Bear’ and always looked out for her family and friends. She loved her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. She was extremely proud of even their smallest achievements. She worked tirelessly to make sure the home was a warm home. Everyone was welcome at the table and treated with respect. It didn’t matter if it was Former First Lady, Barbara Bush that she was hosting at the house, neighborhood kids, or friends. They were all treated with the same care and respect. She also had many fond memories of her homes in Eagle River, WI and Homosassa, FL. She enjoyed golf (some rounds more than others), countless sunny days and wonderfully fun times with family and many friends. Edie was wholly invested in the Merrill community through her involvement in charitable organizations, clubs and various networks. She chaired numerous organizations. Veterans groups, the American Cancer Society and the Republican Party were causes she felt very strongly about. Making sure everyone had a level playing field was also important to her. She heard about high school boys from the country having to hitch-hike home after practice to participate in football (there were not activity busses at that time). She organized and initiated an after practice car pool so any could participate. When a volunteer driver had a conflict she would just add another stop to her route.
Edie is survived by her children John (Carol) of Chippewa Falls, WI, Richard (Mary Beth) of Wausau, WI, Russell (Michaele Mary) Coeur d’Alene, ID and Cheri (Mark) Sibold of Apopka, FL. She was blessed with 9 grandchildren: Eleanor Ament, Edith (Jared) Robinson, Adrianne Ament, Jacob Ament, Breanne Ament, Kristen (David) Phillips, Daniel (Amanda) Ament, Michelle Wilson, Sara Hohmeister, Holly Hohmeister. She is also survived by 9 great-grandchildren. Edie was preceded in death by her husband Jake (3/1/2005), brother Patrick (Arlene) Selner, and sisters Helen (Isauro) Bazan, Marion (Clarence) Charlier, and Betty (John) Legois.
Edith Jean Ament, will be laid to rest beside her husband at Bushnell National Cemetery in Florida. Services will be on June 18th at 12:30pm. Arrangements were handled by Compass Pointe Funeral Services (407)797-6200.