Myrtle STEWART

1914 - 2014  (99 years)

• Name	Myrtle STEWART
  Birth	15 Sep 1914	Liberty County, Montana
  Gender	Female
  Death	18 Aug 2014	Oregon
  Notes	Myrtle Alice Sagen was born on September 15th, 1914 in Alma, Montana, the 2nd of 4 children, to Christine Aaberg Stewart and John L. Stewart. When Myrtle was 11 years old her family moved to Devils Lake, North Dakota, to be closer to relatives, and continue the family farm. Myrtle was a good student, and after high school obtained her teaching certificate from Mayville State College. She began her teaching career at Cato School #4 in Ramsey County, North Dakota, a one room school house, where she had students from first through eighth grades. She often rode her horse to school and in the harsh winters would stay the night to stoke up the fire and warm the school before the children arrived. She married John Sagen of Edmore, North Dakota, in 1937, and began her lifelong career as a devoted mother of seven children. In 1943, the young family moved to the west coast and lived in several locations throughout Washington and Oregon, before settling in the Eugene area in 1950. Myrtle finished her degree at the University of Oregon and taught 4th grade at Marcola Elementary School from 1956-1981. She was a beloved teacher and kept in touch with her co-workers, students and their families, until her passing. Much to her delight, and 35 years after she retired, the community of Marcola surprised her with a 90th birthday party, filling the high school cafeteria. After retirement, Myrtle led an active life. She traveled to Europe, Israel, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico, as well as several US states. Myrtle was a member of the Obsidian's, took swim classes at the YMCA, and volunteered for the Democratic Party and Eugene Hult Center. She loved her church, Central Lutheran, and was proud to be its oldest living member. She faithfully taught Sunday school for several years and was very involved in her bible study group, Esther circle, and numerous other church activities and volunteer projects. Her greatest joy was spending time with friends and family, and she had very special relationships with each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her home was the place of countless family gatherings, and was always filled with love, laughter, kindness and generosity. Myrtle was able to remain living in her home through her final years, thanks to help from devoted family members. During her brief illness, her younger sister Eileen traveled from Rugby, North Dakota, along with friends and family from Montana, California, Washington, North Dakota and throughout Oregon to visit her. She passed away peacefully at home on August 18, 2014, surrounded by loved ones. Myrtle is survived by her sister, Eileen Erickson, of Rugby, North Dakota; her children, Jack Sagen of Moraga, CA, Jayne Fortt of Tacoma, WA, Jerry Sagen, Jean Bennett and spouse Ron Farmer, all of Eugene; 8 grandchildren, Kimberly Sagen, Shawn Muller, Tracy Bennett, Daren Miles, James Fortt, Hallie Fortt, Amy Railey and Brock Railey; 3 great-grandchildren, Shelby Muller, Brenna Railey, and Quinn Lejnieks; several cousins, nieces, nephews and their spouses, children and grandchildren and her little dog, Bella. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Sagen, brother Earl Stewart, sister Jeanette LaBarre, daughter Joan Miles, great-granddaughter Faith Railey and dogs, Daisy and Mitzi. A celebration of 100 years of life will be held at Central Lutheran Church, Monday, September 15, 2014 at 3:00pm with a reception following in the fellowship hall. All whose life Myrtle has touched are encouraged to join in the celebration of an extraordinary woman and a life so well lived. Memorial contributions may be made to Central Lutheran Church Sunday School Fund or The Relief Nursery.
  Person ID	I35148	Don Carlson's Tree
  Last Modified	23 Jun 2022

  
  

  Mother	Christine Marie AABERG,   b. 27 Nov 1885, Rushford, Fillmore County, Minnesota d. 22 Oct 1967, Ramsey County, North Dakota (Age 81 years)
  Family ID	F24060	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

  Family	John William SAGEN,   b. 15 Jun 1914, Erdmore, Ramsey County, North Dakota d. 5 Mar 2006, Oregon (Age 91 years)
  Marriage	6 Nov 1937	Ramsey County, North Dakota
  	MOMS says that they were married 6 Nov 1937 in Clay County, Minnesota
  Divorce	17 Mar 1978	Lane County, Oregon
  Children	1. Joan Cheryll SAGEN,   b. 4 Jun 1940, North Dakota d. 16 Mar 2009, Las Vegas, Clark County, Nevada (Age 68 years)   2. Jack Stewart SAGEN,   b. 13 Apr 1938, North Dakota d. 10 Apr 2022, California (Age 83 years)   3. Jerry Wynn SAGEN,   b. 16 Jul 1944, Washington d. 2 Dec 2016, Oregon (Age 72 years)
  Family ID	F24047	Group Sheet  |  Family Chart
  Last Modified	23 Jun 2022