Edith Bernice Van Camp, 95, died at home in Drayton, ND on Friday, August 30, 2013 surrounded by her family. She was born on May 2, 1918, on the McKellan farm east of Bowesmont, ND to Charles and Emma Parker. By the time she reached school age, the family moved to the Moore farm west of Bowesmont where they lived through her school years. Bowesmont had a 1-8 school where she completed her education. Her father died in his forties so Edith went to work at age 13. She worked at the café in town and cleaned homes for many years. Then at age 18, Mom was cooking complete meals for threshing crews on the Robert and Jack Halcrow farms. Edith prepared the food from a kitchen "chuck wagon" located out in the farm yard. The chuck wagon contained a fully operating kitchen with wood and coal burning ovens. The crew of 20 men would come up to the yard twice a day for their meals, one around noon and another in late afternoon. Edith would arrive at the Halcrow farm around 4 AM to cook breakfast, and then prepare lunch at noon and supper by late afternoon. It was during this time period that Edith's Mother took the kids and moved into the house in Bowesmont (near the church). A few years later, Edith went to work in Drayton where she rented a room and lived above the grocery store on Main Street. She went on to live with and work for Dr. Betchel's (dentist) family where she primarily cared for their young daughter (Lana). Robert Van Camp met Edith Parker at a dance in the Bowesmont Community Hall. Later Robert would pick up Edith in his father's old Cadillac. They attended many dances at the Bowesmont Community Hall on a Friday or Saturday evening. Robert and Edith were married on July 22, 1944. She raised four energetic boys who were active in many school sports. During the 1960's she was one of the cooks at the Drayton Public School, retiring after her youngest graduated. She was involved with the Drayton Methodist women for many years. Since the early 70's she and Robert were snowbirds making Mesa, AZ their second home. They enjoyed many new and old friends there for over 40 years. Edith was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Emma Parker, her brothers Russell, Wesley, Alfred and an infant brother, and her sisters Winifred and Eleanor. She is survived by her sons, Charles and his wife Sheila of Drayton, ND, Richard and Shirley of Drayton, ND, Clinton (and Reiko deceased) of CA, Paul and Marcia of Duluth, MN, nine grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild and several nieces and nephews. We are all grateful to God for the gift of her life. Memorial services are scheduled for Saturday, September 7, 2013 at 3:30 p.m. in the Drayton United Methodist Church in Drayton. Visitation will be held at the church for one hour prior to the service.