Myrtle Stirrat, 94

Myrtle Helen (Larson) Stirrat, 94, of River Falls, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Jan. 26 from complications of breast cancer that had metastasized in her bones.

Myrtle was born Oct. 15, 1918, in Diamond Bluff, Wis. She graduated from Prescott Public High School in 1936 and from River Falls Teachers College with a B.S. degree in 1941. She taught for 30 years in Alpha, Mich., and Whitewater, Barron, and Prescott, Wis., faithfully instructing grades 3-5.

On June 24, 1942, she married Stanley J "Stan the Super Valu man" Stirrat (1917-1995), her high school sweetheart, in Prescott, Wis. Two children completed their family: Charles R. Stirrat (Ellicott City, Md.), and Ann M. Haraldson (Stillwater, Minn.)

Myrtle was very active in and a lifelong member of the River Falls United Methodist Church, including participation in United Methodist Women and Evening Circle (later named Esther), the latter of which she recruited for and served as chairwoman and secretary.

In retirement, Myrtle and Stan enjoyed vacationing at Desert Shadows Resort in Phoenix, Ariz. Myrtle also joined the University Women's and Retired Educators clubs of River Falls. She was the president of the Home Culture Club among many other organizations revolving around her church and her passion for education.

Myrtle was a woman of strong faith who was deeply committed to family and friends. Her favorite Bible verse was Psalm 23. She was an avid reader with a sharp wit and a gentle spirit who will be greatly missed by her family, the staff at the Lutheran Home in River Falls (where she resided in recent years), and the resident friends who played the Rummikub game with her regularly.

Myrtle is survived by her two loving children, Ann (Mike) Haraldson and Charles Stirrat; grandsons, Samuel (fiancée Torie Bunn) of Bozeman, Mont., and Scott (Laura) Haraldson of Maplewood, Minn.; and devoted great-grandchildren, nieces, a nephew, and cousins. Her two great-grandchildren, Ella and Coraline, were the lights of her life; she looked forward to their frequent Tuesday visits.

Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 4, at Cashman-Hill Funeral Home, 225 S. Third St., River Falls. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5, at River Falls United Methodist Church, 127 S. Second St. A private burial will occur in the spring.

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