Myrtis Gigstead's Obituary
Myrtis died on Valentine’s Day, 2013. She was born to William and Edna Brown on November 7, 1926 in Great Falls, South Carolina. She met her husband, Alton Gigstead, while teaching him to roller skate. They were married on June 30, 1946. Although always a Southern girl at heart, Myrtis and Al spent most of their 68 years of marriage in the Fox Valley. They had one child, Enid (Gigstead Kassien) McNeely. Myrtis enjoyed reading, needlework, and traveling. She was passionate about animals, especially her pet dogs. She always took a high interest in style, spending many years working in retail stores like Gloudemans, Prange’s and Younkers. Myrtis also used her keen sense of fashion to design and sew doll clothes. She is survived by her husband, Al; daughter, Enid; granddaughters Katherine Kassien (Joshua Lenius) and Emily (Erik) Hooverson; and her great-grandbabies Henry and Elliot Hooverson. Myrtis was the second born of four children, all surviving: Henry (Lucy) Brown, Doris Ellis and Bonnie (Jack) Thomas, all residing in the southern U.S. It is Myrtis’ wish to be cremated and her remains buried alongside her parents in Great Falls. We will always remember her classic Iced Tea, Southern vernacular and her love for her family. May she rest forever in peace. The family would like to thank Karen Lunde R.N. at the Veterans Home in King and other staff that cared for her and counseled Enid. We also thank Mandy Ehrenberg at Holly Funeral Home for her great assistance.
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