Myrtle Margaret (Doyle) Morrison

Myrtle Margaret (Doyle) Morrison, age 92, beloved wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend, passed into eternal life Thursday September 10, 2009 at Valley Eldercare in Grand Forks, ND. Myrtle was born August 26, 1917 to Amelia (Watt) and Joseph Doyle near Milton, ND. Myrtle attended grade school and high school in Milton, ND. She graduated Jamestown College in 1938, with her 2 year teaching standard. Before her marriage Myrtle taught all grades of education in a one room school in Ayford Township, Cavalier County, ND. Myrtle married Maynard A. Morrison on November 18, 1939 in Milton, ND. The Great Northern Railroad, for which Maynard worked, took them to many places including Hannah, Fargo and settling in Mapes, ND in 1941. Maynard and Myrtle had three wonderful children Karen, and twins Michelle and Michael. During the Second World War, she learned Morse code, became a telegrapher and "manned the station" in Mapes, while Maynard worked in Tolna. In 1952 Myrtle returned to her love of teaching in Mapes and taught there until 1960. Myrtle continued teaching as the family moved from Mapes to Lakota, ND, Crookston and finally Grand Forks. In 1968, Myrtle graduated from The University of North Dakota with a BS in Education. Myrtle retired from teaching in 1980 from River Heights elementary, East Grand Forks. Myrtle was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star in Lakota and Grand Forks. She served as Worthy Matron in both chapters as well as in 3 state offices. Myrtle served as a Sunday school teacher and also as an Elder in the various churches they joined. She was also a member of the Ladies Aide and Guild. Myrtle and Maynard loved to bake, especially at Christmas time. Their children and grandchildren will always remember their delicious sugar cookies and chocolate bon-bons. Many will also remember the wonderful food that Myrtle spent hours in the kitchen preparing for the Eastern Star dinners. Myrtle's husband Maynard passed away in 1989, shortly after their 50th wedding anniversary. Myrtle remained in her home until 2005 when she moved to her apartment at Parkwood Place, where she was able to continue to enjoy her independent living. Myrtle will be remembered and missed by her daughter Karen (John) Tankersley of Grand Forks, her son Michael (Sunny) Morrison of Anchorage, AK. 5 Grand Children, Scott (Megan) Morrison of Danville, CA, Jennifer (Carl) Rogers of Walnut Creek, CA, Kristin Harris of Alamo, CA , Heather (Brett) Bridgeman of Detroit Lakes, MN and Jenny Porter, of Bozeman, MT and 2 great-grandsons Luke and Brett Morrison of Danville, CA and a sister Eunice Grismer of Cedar Grove, WI, and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Myrtle was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Maynard, daughter Michelle Harris and son-in-law Robert Harris, Sister Lillian Thronsedt, and brothers Merrill and Clarendon Doyle. VISITATION/VIEWING: Sunday, September 13 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. with a 8:00 p.m. Order of Eastern Star service open to the public at Amundson Funeral Home in Grand Forks. Visitation will continue the hour prior to the funeral service at the church. FUNERAL SERVICES: 10:30 a.m., Monday, September 14, 2009, at the First Presbyterian Church 5555 S. Washington St. in Grand Forks. INTERMENT: Memorial Park Cemetery, Grand Forks, ND. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to First Presbyterian Church of Grand Forks, North Dakota OES Foundation-Morrison Fund c/o Masonic Center 1405 3rd St. N. in Fargo, ND 58102, or the Masonic Building Preservation Fund 423 Bruce Ave. Grand Forks, ND.