Myrtle Ruth (James) Whitehead

Myrtle Ruth (James) Whitehead passed away on July 15, at the age of 90, after a brief battle with cancer. Myrtle was born Jan. 27, 1925, in Oak Harbor and graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 1943.

She was the daughter of Herbert N. and Marie (Ronhaar) James, early farmers in the Crescent Harbor section of Whidbey Island. Myrtle was also the granddaughter of Whidbey Island pioneer William James, Jr., a British Marine who settled in the Crescent Harbor area in the 1860s after over-extending his leave while being stationed on San Juan Island in support of the Washington Pig War.

Except for a short period during WWII when Myrtle lived in Grass Valley, Calif., while her husband served in the Army, she lived her entire life in Oak Harbor. During her time in Oak Harbor, she worked nearly 30 years for Puget Sound Power and Light Company in the Oak Harbor office.

Myrtle was a Girl Scout leader, Cub Scout leader, a member of the International Order of Odd Fellows and a Rebekah, for which she received a service award and served as Rebekah Treasurer for many years.

Myrtle enjoyed living in her home independently until 90 years of age, as well as cooking; taking cruises; watching golf and Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Mariners; and spending time with her family. In her younger days, Myrtle enjoyed summer camping trips in British Columbia with her family and friends.

Myrtle was well-known for the afghans and baby blankets she crocheted, donating them to families with newborn infants. Many other Oak Harbor charities received additional crocheted items. She was involved in many charitable projects, including the Rebekah’s Seed Money Project conducted in support of Day Break Adult Care. Myrtle was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Oak Harbor.

Myrtle is survived by her son, Roger (Maureen) of Chelmsford, Mass., and daughter Karen (Jack) Bean of Coupeville. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Leslie (Tom) Pace of Oklahoma City, Okla.; Greg Whitehead of Gardner, Mass.; Jerry Roles of Lynnwood, Wash.; Kevin Cody-Little and Justin Cody of Chelmsford, Mass.; Ryan Cody of Worcester, Wash.; Scott Bean of Kirkland, Wash.; and Russell Bean of Oak Harbor. Also surviving are great-grandchildren Timothy (Kayla) Roles of Kennewick, Wash.; Emily and Abby Pace of Oklahoma City, Okla.; Loki Bell-Whitehead of Gardner, Mass.; Lyra Cody-Little of Chelmsford, Mass.; and Samantha Bean and Josh Reeff of Oak Harbor; and great-great grandchild Rhylee Reeff of Oak Harbor. Sister Alice Kammenga of Mount Vernon, Wash., also survives, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Myrtle’s husband, Arnold, preceded her in death in 1988, as did a grandson Timothy Wayne Roles in 1982 and sisters Frances Schmerhorn and Hazel Boswell.

The family would like to thank the team of visiting nurses from Whidbey General Hospital Hospice, especially Chris Carpenter and support personnel Rosie and Delores, for the excellent care and support during Myrtle’s last weeks. We would also like to thank Laurann Weidenbach and Island Home Nursing, especially Caroline, and the support from friends in the community.

A memorial service for Myrtle will be held at 1 p.m. Aug. 5 at Wallin Funeral Home with certified life celebrant Gary Wallin officiating. A reception will follow.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home. To leave condolences or share memories, please visit Myrtle’s Book of Memories page on the funeral home website at www.wallinfuneralhome.com

The family suggestions donations to the Whitehead-Muzzall VFW Post 7392, 3037 Goldie Road, Oak Harbor, WA 98277 or a charity of your choice.