Edith Meyers
Edith Shipley (Hutchinson) Myers, 87, formerly of Tulsa, OK. passed peacefully August 22, 2013, at Countryside Manor-West, Sheboygan, WI.
Edith was born September 26, 1925 in the river town of White River, S.D. to Ralph W. Hutchinson and Cora Alice (Shipley) Hutchinson. At a young age Edith’s family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska. She attended public schools, graduated from Northeast H.S and then earned her two year degree in Education from Nebraska Wesleyan University. Edith was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. In 1944, Edith moved to Huron, S.D. with her family. It was in Huron that a decorated navigator of B-24 bombers and Captain in the Army Air Core, Lawrence Myers, came home from the European Theatre and met the young, budding teacher Edith who lived across the street. Like a romantic fairytale, they courted, fell in love and married in an intimate Huron ceremony on June 20, 1946 and then lovingly celebrated sixty-four years of marriage.
They moved to Rapid City where Edith continued her career teaching four years in the public schools while her husband earned his degree in Geological Engineering. His field in Oil and Gas Exploration took their growing family to Midland, TX., Billings, MT., and Tulsa, OK. twice before settling in Tulsa for 40 plus years. During those years with four sons to nurture Edith, with the support of her family, summoned the courage to continue her education earning a B.A. in Education from Tulsa University in 1965. She then taught early elementary and middle school grades for an additional twenty years in the Tulsa Public Schools retiring from Grimes in 1985. Her teaching career was filled with exciting educational energy and commitment, her classroom was featured in Time Magazine, her pupils adored her and her professional associates voted honors to her and sought her guidance. Edith’s love of children was always evident –her own, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren, all those she taught and those she only met benefited from her warmth and wisdom. She always said, “Children need love and kindness, a quiet wink or a gentle pat of acceptance, will help turn even the most difficult student into a productive student. “
Edith as a mother and wife devoted her time and talents to loving, teaching and caring for her four sons inspiring qualities of care, respect, wisdom and deep affection. Their successes as diverse professionals and as thoughtful, caring, involved individuals must be attributed to the many influences of the life of Edith. The sole lady in the home, Edith required each son to share in her passion for music and the arts.. music and dance lessons for all. She reciprocated holding down camp on annual Rocky Mountain vacations and always cooking the hunt brought forth by her outdoorsmen. There were many Sunday afternoon picnics at the lake complete with smores and opposite were the elegantly set tables for the many family gatherings and the holidays loaded with many traditions. Christmas Eve after candle light service there was Norwegian fare, for Larry, complete with homemade lefse, oyster stew, and fig pudding and to the delight of the grandchildren a birthday cake for Jesus adorned her table and at Easter always the infamous egg in grass salad.
Edith was passionate about music as were her ancestors. From an early age music filled her home and she and her two younger sisters melded their lovely voices in a vocal trio, led by Edith, to entertain many. As a member of the Lutheran Church she was active in youth programs. Edith, organized and conducted youth choir for several churches and was an active member of the adult choir at Bethany Lutheran, Tulsa until her illness made it too difficult to continue. Through the church Edith and Larry provided ministry on Sundays for 25 years to Park Terrace Nursing Home in Tulsa where Edith played the piano and sang. The couple also delivered meals on wheels prior to their move to Wisconsin. In retirement Edith was a very active and productive docent for the Gilcrease Museum-Tulsa where she continued to educate children developing a summer curriculum and guiding school tours. Her interests included being an accomplished seamstress, an avid reader, and hosting bridge club dinners.
Unselfish and dedicated, gracious, wise, loving, strong, were some of Edith’s many virtues and values, that she actively and intentionally, brought to her devoted marriage and passed to her sons to assure her future descendents of full, rewarding and happy lives. She so loved each of her grandchildren and never enough time could be spent with them.
Edith is survived by sons, Larry Myers Jr., Durango, CO., Kevin (Charlotte) Myers, Kohler, WI., Brian(Mary)Myers, Adair, Ok. Grandchildren – Erin, WI., Larry (Hannah),CO., Justin, CO.; Erik, WI., Laura, TX.; Bennett (Rachael)OK., Evan(Susie)TX.; Kelly (Justin) Geiger, OK. and Melody Sweeney, OK. Five Great –Grandchildren, Daughter- in- law Gloria, Ipswich, S.D., and sisters, Sheryl Anderberg, KS. and Jo Ann Cotton, OK.; brother-in-law Gail Myers, OR. Edith was preceded in death by her husband Larry “Red” and son David, her parents, a sister Betty and brothers, Charles and Reed.
The family would like to thank the numerous staff members, past and present, of Countryside Manor- West that lovingly touched and cared for Edith over the past six and one half years. We know and appreciate that you recognized Edith’s grace and elegance, warmth and gentleness and that you reciprocated with kind, loving, sincere care.
Edith had fond memories of her childhood years in White River and it was her request to return home. A memorial service will be held in White River, S.D. at the White River United Methodist Church 1:30p.m.on September 28 with internment to follow in the White River Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made in Edith’s name to the Alzheimer’s Assoc. or to the United Methodist Church in White River, P.O. Box 197, S.D. 57579 or The White River Cemetery Association.
Olson Funeral Home & Cremation Service is handling arrangements in Sheboygan, WI, with further arrangements by Mason Funeral Home, Winner S. D.