Edna Kinsey, queen of Scouting in Monroe, dies at 94
Edna R. Kinsey, who spent 63 years as a positive influence and role model for hundreds of Monroe County boys and girls through her dedication to the Boy Scouts of America, died quietly with her family by her side. She was 94.
"We were all there," said her son, Rick. "All the kids were there."
Mrs. Kinsey, the longest serving Cub Scout leader in Monroe County history, was a decorated Scout leader who was recognized across the state for her work with the Boy Scouts. She and her late husband, Ed, were known throughout the region and beyond for their leadership, dedication and kindness.
"Edna always saw the good in people and was always kind with others," said family friend Dave Eby, who was involved in Scouts for years. "She and Ed presented over 500 Eagle Scout awards to Boy Scouts throughout Southeast Michigan and Northwest Ohio. Over the decades they traveled many thousands of miles, providing their elaborate Eagle Scout presentation ceremony at no cost to the Scout being honored."
For many years, the couple were leaders in Troop 579, which is part of the Running Waters District. In return for their devotion, the troop helped build and dedicate the Ed and Edna Kinsey Memorial Boy Scout Building on the grounds of the Monroe County Rod and Gun Club.
For generations, Edna organized countless meetings and dinners, trained dozens of young adults to be leaders and helped register thousands of people in a wide range of functions. She simply got things done and was a role model for both boys and girls. She was recognized by many as the Queen of Scouts.
"Running Waters District has lost our most devoted Den Mother and best volunteer a district could have," Louise Gerweck-Malvitz wrote on the district Facebook page. "She has held just about every position at the unit, district and council that any volunteer could hold. Edna was an inspiration to every Scout and Scouter she met, not only to myself but also my parents. She will truly be missed."
Born Edna Emerson in Monroe, she graduated from Monroe High School in 1947 and meet Ed at an old grocery store on Eighth Street. Their lives in Scouting began when the oldest boy, Greg, who passed away in 2020, decided to join in 1959. While Ed ran meetings, Edna helped organize everything else.
The girls in the family joined 4-H back then and both parents were involved with that organization also. Deb LaVoy, a friend in Scouting, said Mrs. Kinsey was a leader in a boy's world.
"I don't care what society says," Mrs. LaVoy once said. "Edna showed us girls that it's okay to be strong."
Mrs. Kinsey was recognized with many awards throughout her career in Scouting. In 2017, she received the distinguished Silver Beaver Award, which honors adult leaders who have made an impact on the lives of youths through service. She was the only person in Monroe County to have ever received both the Boy Scouts prestigious Silver Fawn award and their Silver Beaver award.
She also earned such honors as the Distinguished Scouter Award, the Unit Leader Award of Merit and others. In 2010 she was recognized on the Wall of Honor in the Boy Scouts of America 100th Anniversary Hall of Leadership. In 2009, Mrs. Kinsey was selected by the Monroe County Bar Association as the then 44th Annual Liberty Bell recipient for her civic responsibility and dedication to the community.
"Every time I see (Mrs. Kinsey), I envision a Norman Rockwell painting," the late 38th Circuit Judge Michael Weipert said at the ceremony. "She has been building great and productive members of our society."
Mrs. Kinsey also was honored as the Liberty Bell recipient from the Michigan State Bar Association.
The Kinseys raised six children. In addition to Rick, the adult children include the late Gregory, Cathy, Chris, Beth, and Kyle. They had many grandchildren. Mrs. Kinsey was a lifelong member of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Monroe where Mrs. Kinsey was a Eucharistic Minister for many years and would regularly visit and provide Holy Communion to shut-ins from her church.
"Edna’s devotion to her family and service to her church and to Monroe County Scouting was unparalleled," Eby said. "She was a towering example of what a citizen, a mother and a Christian should be."
Funeral services are being handled by the Bacarella Funeral Home on S. Telegraph Road.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Edna Kinsey, queen of Scouting in Monroe, dies at 94
