Myrtle Johnson Olauson

Joyous were the angels when Myrtle Louise Johnson Olauson reunited with her husband Phil on July 29, 2010, who had awaited her arrival at Heaven’s gates for seven weeks. Born in Omaha September 30, 1922 she died peacefully in her Hartsville, SC home at age 87. Myrtle was a beloved wife, mother, sister, cousin, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother. She is survived by her children Cynthia, Marcia, Michael, and Pamela; six grandchildren, one great grandson, and brother Howard. Myrt was preceded in death by her youngest child Nina, oldest grandchild Duke and brother Warren. From the day they wed on December 28, 1944 at the First Baptist Church in Omaha, the bride loved her handsome Marine for 65 1/2 years. Honoring her father Alvin E. Johnson in 1939, Myrt was crowned an Omaha Ak-Sar-Ben princess (as was niece Deborah Wright for her dad Howard M. Johnson), attended MacMurry College in Jacksonville, IL and the University of Nebraska where she pledged the Alpha Phi Sorority, initiating a family legacy of three generations. Myrt graduated from NU with a BS in Education and taught kindergarten in La Jolla, CA, Phil’s wartime station. In 1955 the Olausons said goodbye to their Omaha roots in a transfer to Minneapolis. Myrt helped her brood of five stay active in church activities, swimming, ballet, piano, accordion, trumpet, skiing, camp, Little League baseball, horseback riding, hockey, band and a paper route requiring pre-dawn, sub-zero winter deliveries. She functioned as leader of Cub Scouts, Blue Birds and Camp Fire Girls, late night typist and creator of report covers with her stash of art supplies. She knit mittens and hats and perpetually filled the hungry mouths of seven and a pal or two more… all with extraordinary patience and grace. Next came Carroll, NE in 1965 where Myrt worked beside Phil for 18 years at Farmers State Bank. Honing her skills as a business woman, she engaged the community with enthusiasm. Myrt had a passion for surprises especially at Christmas time. The lady was in her glory when wrapping packages in a special sanctuary she had upstairs. A tradition of Christmas mornings included Mr. and Mrs. Claus in blinking lighted hats, greeting their children, reading a poem they’d written and tinkling a bell to guide the games of Santa’s day. “Grandma Turts” adored Mickey Mouse and all things Disney, ceramics, cross-stitching and jigsaw puzzles which Phil glued and hung around the house. A favorite treasure are her original red felt Christmas stockings crafted with handmade appliqués distinctive to each child. When the coupled retired to Hartsville in 1983, Myrt traded in Engelbert Humperdinck for George Strait and Randy Travis, and became an avid fan of NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon. She enjoyed bridge, garden club, pink lady duty in the hospital gift shop, making photo albums and scrapbooks, and her commitment to the Lord. “ML” was a playful ham with a keen sense of humor and an ear for compassionate listening. She lived a long and happy life, leaving magical memories for us to cherish. A private service was held at the First Presbyterian Church, 213 West Home Ave., Hartsville, SC 29550 where memorials may be sent. Mom, we’re “Gonna love you forever and ever, forever and ever, Amen.” SWEET DREAMS MYRTLE TURTLE.

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Myrtle Johnson Olauson

September 30, 1922 - July 30, 2010