NEWNHAM Myrtle Lillian 1920 - 2008 It is with great sadness and love that the family of Myrtle Newnham announces her passing on Wednesday, October 15th, 2008 in Red Deer Regional Hospital. Myrtle slipped away peacefully with her daughter, Janice and son-in-law, Jay at her side. She was of 88 years old. Myrtle was predeceased by her parents, William and Lillian Feeney (nee Bray); her sisters, Daisy Akers and Vera McLaren; her brothers, Tom, Bill and Bob Feeney; her brothers-in-law, Ed and Ken Newnham. Myrtle leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Janice and son-in-law, Jay Carton of Red Deer; her son, Ken and daughter-in-law Betty of Winnipeg; her sister, Kathy Mack of Medicine Hat; and brother-in-law, Roy Newnham of Redcliff. She also leaves to mourn her passing her grandchildren, Tom Newnham of Vancouver and Ben Newnham of Winnipeg; her sister-in-law, Wanda Feeney of Medicine Hat; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Myrtle was born in Medicine Hat on February 27th, 1920 and spent most of her life in the city. She married Gordon at St. Ambrose Church in Redcliff on May 18th, 1940, just three months before he and the Calgary Highlanders sailed for England. While Gordon was overseas, she worked at Marshall's Book Store, saving for their future. Upon Gordon's return from the war, he found employment with the Post Office in Medicine Hat and the two of them settled in the city. Myrtle's focus was on home and the family. She was a wonderful wife and mother and will always be remembered for her thoughtful and gentle ways. Following Gordon's untimely death in 1973, Myrtle remained active in the church as a lifetime member of the Holy Trinity Altar Guild and a long-time treasurer of the Anglican Church Women. She served as a volunteer at the Dr. Dan MacCharles Auxiliary Hospital for more than 15 years, and received numerous citations for her regular contributions as a blood donor. In 1984, Myrtle was named a Quota Club Lady of Merit. Myrtle enjoyed travel, visiting her brother-in-law, Ed and his wife in Austria and later in Nevada, her son and his family in England, West Germany, and Ottawa, and her daughter in Red Deer. She took several cruises and other shorter trips with her good friend, Marg Seitz, of Medicine Hat. As much as she enjoyed these experiences, the prairie was her home and she was happiest being back there. Stubbornly self-reliant, Myrtle continued living by herself in the family home on Second Street SE until her 84th year. She then spent approximately two years as a resident of Chinook Village before moving to Club Sierra in Red Deer to be closer to her daughter. The family would like to thank the staff at both locations for their compassion and care shown to Myrtle in the time she was with them. Particular thanks are also extended to Dr. Basson and to the staff in Unit 21 of the Red Deer Regional Hospital for their wonderful care and support. Also, a special thank you to Eileen Akers for her love and support during Myrtle's final days, a great kindness that will never be forgotten. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, on Friday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held in SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL on Saturday, October 18th, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. with The Reverend Father Howard Patterson officiating. A Private Family Interment will follow in the Family Plot at Hillside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Mrs. Myrtle Newnham may do so with a gift to the Alzheimer Society (Palliser Region), 833A Kingsway Avenue SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 2X5, or to the Alzheimer Society of Central Alberta, Suite 101, 4805 - 48th Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta, T4N 3T2. Expressions of sympathy can be e-mailed to saamisfc@telusplanet.net, subject-heading Myrtle Newnham or through www.gonebutnotforgotten.ca. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, "The Chapel in the Park", Medicine Hat, AB. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone 1-800-317-2647.