Myrle Carrie McWilliams Sterner, 80

Myrle Carrie McWilliams Hashbarger Krantz Sterner,80, passed away quietly May 10, 2005, after a bout with lung cancer.

Myrle was born June 29, 1924, in Bisbee, Ariz., to Opal Cora Lindsey and John Vernon "Tink" McWilliams.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and brothers, Jack Theodore McWilliams who died in World War II flying P47 Thunderbolts, and Gerald "Jerry" McWilliams who died near Glasgow as the result of a car accident. She was also preceded in death by husbands, Herman Elmer "Babe" Krantz, Lloyd Noah Hashbarger, and Clarence Ray Sterner.

Myrle is survived by daughter, Jackie Hashbarger Young and Doyle of Melrose, N.M., son, William Ray Hashbarger McWilliams of Tulsa, Okla.; daughters, Janice Sterner Jones and Kumen of Red Lodge, and Marilyn Sterner Chew of Eugene, Ore. She is also survived by 11 grandsons, one granddaughter, three great-grandsons, a niece and nephew, and two stepdaughters.

She spent her early years near Flagstaff, Ariz., on the family homestead. She moved with her family to Somers, near Flathead Lake and graduated from Flathead County High School in 1943. Myrle joined the Navy WAVES and was stationed at Indianhead and Stumpneck, Md., where she worked in the X-ray and photographic departments.

Myrle returned to the Flathead Valley because she thought it was the most beautiful place in the world and continued to live here for the next 59 years. In 2002 she moved to Red Lodge to be near her daughter, Janice Jones.

She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served as a teacher and librarian for many years. She was involved in many community organizations such as PTA, Boy and Girl Scouts, and the VFW Auxiliary.

Her house was always a welcome place to many in need of comfort or just a listening ear.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to Beartooth Hospice, P.O. Box 590, Red Lodge, MT 59068; or your local American Cancer Society.