Doris J. Myrtle

Doris Jewel "Judy" Myrtle (née Jarvis) has been called home at the age of 94.

 

Born on September 14,1928, in Uler, West Virginia, she relocated to Augusta County Virginia in the late 1940s after marrying Paul A. Myrtle. They lovingly adopted brothers Eugene and William in the mid 1950s, choosing to take on the care of two children rather than allowing the boys to be separated. Doris' tiny stature made lifting the toddlers difficult, and she would often laugh when reminiscing about her little boys jumping to help her lift them onto chairs and into the sink for bath time. Once she became a mother, she dedicated her life to raising and caring for her family. An anxious woman by nature, she fretted over them day and night. 

 

When her nest was empty, she and Paul began making beautiful crafts out of wood. Paul would cut and construct, while Doris painted and decorated. They planned to make this hobby into a small business upon Paul's retirement. Unfortunately, Paul was diagnosed with cancer and their hope of a long retirement was cut short. Doris spent the next few years driving Paul to treatments and nursing him at home. He passed away in 1989, leaving Doris alone for the first time in her life. Never a woman to back down from a challenge, she faced her grief and began restructuring her life. 

 

She found community in the Ladies Auxiliary of the VFW and assisted in many activities and events they hosted. Doris was always finding ways to occupy her time. One activity she enjoyed was roaming the aisles of local thrift stores on an endless search for comfortable shoes and Alfred Dunner slacks. Her petite frame meant she would also have the task of hemming any purchases as an additional activity to keep moving. Doris found fellowship with others invigorating to her soul. In accordance with this mindset, her daily activities included shopping at multiple grocery stores, not for the items they carried, but for the variety of people she could have a conversation with. Her weekly trips to the laundromat always gave her an amusing story she would share with her granddaughter Elizabeth during their Sunday evening phone calls.

 

In 2013, Doris was heartbroken when her eldest son Eugene "Gene" was taken by cancer. He had always made time for anything she ever needed, even if it was just a quick cup of coffee and a hug. Gene was the only local relative that checked on Doris, losing him devastated her. 

 

Once more, she picked up the pieces and pushed forward, showing her boundless fortitude and inner strength. As often as possible, grand-daughter Elizabeth would come to town for a day of thrift store shopping and lunches at Doris' favorite restaurant, Country Cookin'. 

 

Doris is predeceased by her husband, Paul Alton Myrtle and beloved son, Eugene Franklin Myrtle Sr.

 

She is survived by her granddaughter, Elizabeth Myrtle, her grandson, Eugene Franklin Myrtle, Jr., and her son, William "Bill" Myrtle; along with their respective families. 

 

When you remember Doris, please remember her tiny giggles at her own jokes, her willingness to give to those less fortunate, and her perseverance through life's many tribulations. Doris was never materialistic and never judged others for what they had. Character, kindness, and a good sense of humor were paramount in the ones she considered friends. 

 

"Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.  Let us not become conceited, provoking, and envying each other." - Galatians 5: 25-26

 

A graveside service will be held at Mount Carmel Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Steeles Tavern on Monday, July 17, 2023, at 11:00 AM.

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Summerlee Mission (Summerlee Mission Program, c/o Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1904 Mt. Vernon St., Waynesboro, VA 22980) who so kindly replaced Doris' roof when she was in need.