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Obituary for Myrtle Ruth Whitehead
Myrtle Ruth (James) Whitehead passed away on July 15, 2015 at the age of 90 years, after a brief battle with cancer. Myrtle was born January 27, 1925, In Oak Harbor and was graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 1943. She was the daughter of Herbert N and Marie (Ronhaar) James, early farmers in the Crescent Harbor section of Whidbey Island. Myrtle was also the granddaughter of Whidbey Island pioneer Williams James, Jr., a British Marine who settled in the Crescent Harbor area in the 1860’s after over-extending his leave while being stationed on San Juan Island in support of the Washington Pig War.
Except for a short period during WWII when Myrtle lived in Grass Valley, CA while her husband, Arnold, served in the Army, she lived her entire life in Oak Harbor. During her time in Oak Harbor, she worked for nearly 30 years for Puget Sound Power and Light Company in their Oak Harbor office.
Myrtle was a Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout leader, a member of the International Order of Odd Fellows, and a Rebekah, for which she received a service award and served as Rebekah Treasurer for many years.
Myrtle enjoyed living in her home independently until 90 years of age as well as cooking, taking cruises, watching golf, the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Mariners games, and spending time with her family. In her younger days, Myrtle enjoyed summer camping trips in British Columbia with her family and friends.
Myrtle was well known for the afghans and baby blankets she crocheted, donating them to families with newborn infants. Many other Oak Harbor charities received additional crocheted items. She was involved in many charitable projects, including the Rebekah’s Seed Money Project conducted in support of Day Break Adult Care. Myrtle was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Oak Harbor.
Myrtle is survived by her son Roger (Maureen) of Chelmsford, MA, and daughter Karen (Jack) Bean of Coupeville, WA. She is also survived by grandchildren Leslie (Tom) Pace of Oklahoma City, OK, Greg Whitehead of Gardner, MA; Jerry Roles of Lynwood, WA., Kevin Cody-Little and Justin Cody of Chelmsford, MA, Ryan Cody of Worcester, WA., Scott Bean of Kirkland, WA. and Russell Bean of Oak Harbor. Also surviving are great-grandchildren Timothy (Kayla) Roles of Kennewick,WA; Emily and Abby Pace of Oklahoma City, OK; Loki Bell-Whitehead of Gardner, MA; Lyra Cody-Little of Chelmsford, MA, Samantha Bean and Josh Reeff of Oak Harbor, and great-great grandchild, Rhylee Reeff of Oak Harbor. Sister Alice Kammenga of Mt. Vernon, WA also survives as well as many nieces and nephews.
Myrtle’s husband, Arnold, preceded her in death in 1988 as did a grandson, Timothy Wayne Roles in 1982 and sisters Frances Schmerhorn and Hazel Boswell.
The family would like to thank the team of visiting nurses from Whidbey General Hospital Hospice, especially Chris Carpenter and support personnel Rosie and Delores for the excellent care and support during Myrtle’s last weeks. We would also like to thank Laurann Weidenbach and Island Home Nursing, especially Caroline, and the support from friends in the community.
A Memorial Service for Myrtle will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at 1:00 pm at Wallin Funeral Home with Certified Life Celebrant, Gary Wallin, officiating. A reception will follow. The family suggestions donations to the Whitehead-Muzzall VFW Post 7392, 3037 Goldie Road, Oak Harbor, WA 98277 or a charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home. To leave condolences or share memories, please visit Myrtle’s Book of Memories page on the funeral home website at www.wallinfuneralhome.com.
Except for a short period during WWII when Myrtle lived in Grass Valley, CA while her husband, Arnold, served in the Army, she lived her entire life in Oak Harbor. During her time in Oak Harbor, she worked for nearly 30 years for Puget Sound Power and Light Company in their Oak Harbor office.
Myrtle was a Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout leader, a member of the International Order of Odd Fellows, and a Rebekah, for which she received a service award and served as Rebekah Treasurer for many years.
Myrtle enjoyed living in her home independently until 90 years of age as well as cooking, taking cruises, watching golf, the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Mariners games, and spending time with her family. In her younger days, Myrtle enjoyed summer camping trips in British Columbia with her family and friends.
Myrtle was well known for the afghans and baby blankets she crocheted, donating them to families with newborn infants. Many other Oak Harbor charities received additional crocheted items. She was involved in many charitable projects, including the Rebekah’s Seed Money Project conducted in support of Day Break Adult Care. Myrtle was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Oak Harbor.
Myrtle is survived by her son Roger (Maureen) of Chelmsford, MA, and daughter Karen (Jack) Bean of Coupeville, WA. She is also survived by grandchildren Leslie (Tom) Pace of Oklahoma City, OK, Greg Whitehead of Gardner, MA; Jerry Roles of Lynwood, WA., Kevin Cody-Little and Justin Cody of Chelmsford, MA, Ryan Cody of Worcester, WA., Scott Bean of Kirkland, WA. and Russell Bean of Oak Harbor. Also surviving are great-grandchildren Timothy (Kayla) Roles of Kennewick,WA; Emily and Abby Pace of Oklahoma City, OK; Loki Bell-Whitehead of Gardner, MA; Lyra Cody-Little of Chelmsford, MA, Samantha Bean and Josh Reeff of Oak Harbor, and great-great grandchild, Rhylee Reeff of Oak Harbor. Sister Alice Kammenga of Mt. Vernon, WA also survives as well as many nieces and nephews.
Myrtle’s husband, Arnold, preceded her in death in 1988 as did a grandson, Timothy Wayne Roles in 1982 and sisters Frances Schmerhorn and Hazel Boswell.
The family would like to thank the team of visiting nurses from Whidbey General Hospital Hospice, especially Chris Carpenter and support personnel Rosie and Delores for the excellent care and support during Myrtle’s last weeks. We would also like to thank Laurann Weidenbach and Island Home Nursing, especially Caroline, and the support from friends in the community.
A Memorial Service for Myrtle will be held on Wednesday, August 5, 2015 at 1:00 pm at Wallin Funeral Home with Certified Life Celebrant, Gary Wallin, officiating. A reception will follow. The family suggestions donations to the Whitehead-Muzzall VFW Post 7392, 3037 Goldie Road, Oak Harbor, WA 98277 or a charity of your choice.
Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home. To leave condolences or share memories, please visit Myrtle’s Book of Memories page on the funeral home website at www.wallinfuneralhome.com.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Myrtle Ruth Whitehead, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
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