Edna Faye (Johnston) Tivis, 79, passed away peacefully in her home with her caring husband, Jim, on Sunday, April 26, 2026 from complications of edema.

Edna was born July 2, 1946 in the El Dorado Springs/Nevada Missouri area as one of the younger siblings of 14 children.

She graduated from Walker High School (MO) and in 1964 attended University of Central Missouri (formerly Central Missouri State College) where she got her "Mrs. degree" in 1965 when marrying James (Jim) Tivis from Chilhowee, Missouri. She began working at Whiteman Air Force Base, where she served our troops as a civil service worker for 23 years before retiring in 1989. She soon began working at the Community of Christ Mission Center office as a secretary until her full retirement in 2009. In addition she worked as a sales consultant for PartyLite Candles and later as a sales consultant for Tastefully Simple Gourmet Foods.

Edna's biggest enjoyment in life was activities with family and friends as she loved to organize family dinners and gatherings, church dinners, wedding receptions and community activities. She enjoyed working with the youth as a 4-H Community Leader and helping international students feel supported as they navigated a new country. She especially enjoyed working with the youth of her church serving as youth group leader, youth camp director, and one of her biggest enjoyments was being part of the staff for Sports Spectacular (an event involving youth from around the world in sports and worship) as a volleyball court manager.

Edna and Jim have one daughter, Shirley Michelle (Tivis) Armstrong born in 1971. Edna always supported Michelle in many ways: like throwing amazing birthday parties (which got bigger as the event got closer), supporting her school activities such as bringing cinnamon rolls, passing out hugs, attending parades, band, and many chorus performances.

She is survived by her husband, Jim, her daughter, Michelle (Greg Patton), one sister, Wanda Johnston (Susie), grandsons Eugene Armstrong, and Josiah Armstrong, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert N. and Ruth Shirley Johnston, seven brothers, one sister, six half brothers and one half sister, and a grandchild (Zechariah Armstrong).

A Celebration of Life reception will be Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the Community of Christ Church, 700 Mitchell Street, Warrensburg, MO 64093 from 1:00 to 4:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, please hug your loved ones, and send memorial contributions to the Community of Christ Church or a local church of your choice.