Edith M. Kemp

Edith M. Kemp, 95, of Davenport, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 22, 2025, at Bickford of Davenport, surrounded by love.

Cremation will take place at Trimble Crematory, Moline, Illinois, under the direction of Cremation Society of the Quad Cities. Graveside services will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery, Buffalo, Iowa.

Edith Marie Eskew was born November 20, 1929, in Vandalia, Missouri, to John Clay and Helen Celeste (Arthur) Eskew Jr. The oldest of five siblings and the last surviving member of the Eskew family, Edith grew up with a strong sense of family and responsibility that she carried throughout her life. She married the love of her life, Eugene Lee Kemp, on September 18, 1949, in Vandalia, and together they raised five children. In 1959, they moved to Davenport, Iowa, where they made their home and raised their family. Eugene preceded her in death in 2015.

Edith was a kindhearted, family-oriented woman who found joy in simple, meaningful moments. She was an avid sewer and reader who loved westerns and country music. She took great pride in canning vegetables from the large family garden and delighted in sharing her homemade cooking. Her memorable dishes, vegetable soup, fried chicken, beef stroganoff, apple sauce cookies, and cinnamon raisin rolls; nourished not only the body but the soul.

Edith’s greatest joy was her family. She was deeply proud of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, and her love for them was unconditional and everlasting.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Daniel Kemp of Davenport, Stephen (Sandy) Kemp of Davenport, Lee (Kandy) Kemp of Buffalo, and Arthur (Linda) Kemp of Walcott; her son-in-law, Darrell (Nancy) Buchholz of Dixon; 13 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and 12 great-great-grandchildren, with one more blessing on the way.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Eugene; daughter, Jeanette Buchholz; her parents; her siblings, Russel, Jimmy, Phyllis, and Wilma Geraldine; and a great-great-granddaughter, Cassidy Marie.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to Bickford of Davenport and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care of Edith in her final days.

Her love, warmth, and strength will be remembered always.

Condolences may be shared at CremationQC.com.