Martha Edith (Edie) (Sermon) Selders died Dec. 10, 2016, in Macomb, Illinois.She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Michael D. Selders, Macomb, Ill. Edie is also survived by her daughter, Molly Selders, son-in-law, Brian Powell, and adored, Annie and Sam Powell, all of Macomb, Ill. She leaves behind brothers, sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews whom she loved dearly.Edie was born on August 10, 1939, in Kansas City, Mo., to William and Martha Edith Sermon. She grew up in Independence, Mo., attended The Barstow School, and graduated from William Jewell College with a degree in history.An elementary school teacher for ten years, Edie devoted herself to public service in many forms. In 1978, she was elected to the Jackson County Missouri Legislature to represent Independence. Over the years she remained active in local politics and government. This involvement included running for office, serving in county government, and being the president of the Eastern Jackson County Democratic Club. Edie used these outlets and others over the course of her entire life to be an advocate for the voiceless and an active participant in her community.Always up for a new adventure, in 2006 Edie and Mike moved to Macomb, Ill., to be close to Brian, Molly, and the children. Here Edie became very active in her local Episcopal church, serving on its vestry until the time of her death. She also founded the Food for Thought initiative with its goal of distributing books to the children of McDonough County.To know Edie was to enjoy her quick wit, passionate heart, and ready laugh. She was a trend setter, a glass ceiling shatterer, and a truth teller. But above all, she was the most loyal friend and family member anyone could have.In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Episcopal Church's music scholarship, P.O. Box 294 Macomb, IL 61455 or the Humane Society of McDonough County, P.O. Box 7 Macomb, IL 61455.A funeral service will be held at The Episcopal Church, 321 1/2 University Drive, Macomb, Ill., at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 15. A visitation will be held at Dodsworth-Piper-Wallen Funeral Home on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 5 to 7 p.m. Cremation rites have been accorded. A private burial at Woodlawn Cemetery in Independence, Mo., will be held at a later time.