Myrtle Spencer

Myrtle Spencer, 98, went to meet her heavenly father Tuesday, Sept. 30. She was born Dec.13,1926 on a farm in southern Cedar County to Charles Edwin Shaw and Lelah Edith (Shirley) Shaw.

She graduated high school in Arcola. She worked nine years at International Shoe Company in El Dorado Springs. She married James Spencer in 1955. To this union one son was born, Gerall Spencer.

The family moved to California in 1957. While there Myrtle worked at Rohr Aircraft, Home Decorations and in real estate. Living in Riverside, she was baptized into Christ, attending the Church of Christ.

She and Jim were active in square dancing groups. Myrtle designed and made their dancing outfits and was often asked by other members of the group to design theirs. Myrtle was an amazing seamstress, making not only her clothing, but Jim’s dress shirts as well.

The family moved back to El Dorado Springs in 1980 where they built a home designed by Myrtle. She enjoyed spending time with her Church family until her health kept her at home. She and Jim were active with the Senior Center, delivering meals for years. After Jim’s death, she helped with the Church of Christ Food Pantry.

Myrtle enjoyed working in her flower-filled yard for hours at a time and playing cards with family and friends into the early morning hours. She loved God, people, pretty things, flowers, animals—especially dogs and traveling. She and Jim went all over the country touring beautiful gardens. She was always stylish, even when pulling weeds in her flower beds.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Warren and Myrle Shaw; son, Gerall; and husband, Jim, with whom she shared 55 wonderful years. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Pat Shaw; nephew, Myrle Wayne Shaw and wife, Elaine, and their children; and Jim’s many nieces and nephews whom she claimed as her own.

Although Myrtle loved flowers, she loved children more. Please donate to St. Jude’s in lieu of flowers.

A graveside memorial service was held Wednesday, Oct. 8, at El Dorado Springs City Cemetery under the direction of Bland-Hackleman Funeral Home.