Obituary of Myrna Amanda Lundgren

Myrna Lundgren’s Life Story (A very condensed version...There are so many wonderful stories!) Myrna Amanda was born February 12, 1929 in Rhinelander, Wisconsin to Thomas Padget (1964) and Nora Amanda (Wells) McKendry (1963). She had a brother Arden, one year older, who only lived until the age of two. In 1930, the family moved out of the tent they were living in and moved into a “real” house. Myrna had two sisters, Betty Lou Ossmann (2009) and Geita Mae Anderson (2008); and younger brother, Warner (Bud) Erwin McKendry (1972). After moving to Olympia, she attended Annie Wright School, Olympia High School (graduating early) and the University of Washington, where she majored in English. While at the University, she was a lifeguard. To pass the test for lifeguard, she had to swim across the cold Lake Washington. In 1946, she married Samuel Charles Lundgren (1987) in Olympia. They had two sons, Samuel Lavern and Daniel Charles; and one daughter, Dawn Marie. In February 1959, she was diagnosed with breast cancer and went through extensive surgery and cobalt radiation treatment. She was given three to five years to live and survived 53 years (out living three of her doctors). She contributed her survival of this traumatic event to “Faith, Looking to the Future, Always Having a Positive Attitude, and Humor.” All of these played a role when she underwent a five-way bypass (1990), rotator cuff repair (1998), four stints (2002), and a broken arm (2008). Places Myrna worked include: Olympia Oil and Wood, Millers Department Store, Washington State Department of Licensing, Washington State Department of Printing (for over 24 years); she also was a bookkeeper for several local businesses. She also enjoyed working with her teams in direct sales, which included: Shaklee Products (Coordinator), Nature's Sunshine Herbs (Manager), and Jewelry (Park Lane, Manager and Contempo Fashions, Manager). She organized and coordinated many national conventions in Olympia, Seattle and Portland, which included well known celebrities, musicians, politicians, CEOs, etc. Myrna had 10 grandchildren, Billie, Wendy, Samuel, Amanda, Laci, Daniel, Rachel, Julia, Shannon and Benjamin. She had 19 great grandchildren, Jeffery, Ryan, Zachery, Samantha, Ashley, Shauntel, Christian, Dillon, Sarah, Cameron, Travis, Tallon, Matthew, Ashley, a girl, a boy, Zara, Elana, and Kaitlinn. She also had five great-great grandchildren, Tosh, a boy, Tyler, Auron, and Talyn. Having all of the grand and great grandchildren did not make her feel old, nor did turning 40 or 50 or 60…It was when her son “Retired,” after 30 years, from his job ... she would say to everyone, “Can you believe I have a son who's retired?” Myrna was witty and quick with her one-liners right up to the end. She would correct anyone if they were recalling a story wrong, or at least from “her perspective.” Bowling was her passion for over 60 years. It was a way to exercise her arm following her breast cancer surgery. She was a life member of the Olympia Women's Bowling Association (for many years - Treasurer, BVL chairman, 600 Club Secretary/Treasurer). She was also a Life Member of both the National 600 Bowling Club and USBC. She participated in many city, state and national tournaments (covering all but five states), and loved all of the trips she made with her friends. She enjoyed a good mystery, whether it was a TV show or a book. She loved competition, and games were an integral part of showing you “how to lose.” Never giving in or easing the rules for anyone, of any age, she made you learn how to “win.” Competition between her and her brother was so intense that they raced to be the first to complete the daily Wall Street Journal crossword puzzle. One time they both were at separate events on the same weekend—Myrna bowling in the State Tournament in Spokane and Bud racing his AA Fuel dragster in Canada. Myrna's team took over 1st place. She could not wait to get home and “rub it in.” When Myrna spotted Bud's car passing by while leaving town, she caught up and followed the car. Bud pulled into a gas station. Myrna jumped out of her car and ran up to boast of her accomplishment. Bud let her say her spiel and then proceeded to show her his trophy for breaking the national speed record while winning the race finals. The Daily Olympian ran an article titled “Brother and Sister Make Good.” She especially liked playing cribbage, dominoes and playing cards. She belonged to a Pinochle group of great friends for 25 years. Scrabble was another pastime. One grandson has pictures of a 209-193 score sheet and scrabble board showing his “long awaited victory.” Myrna passed away peacefully at her residence in Olympia on Saturday evening, February 18, 2012. At her request, there will only be a private family service. She will be laid to rest at Masonic Memorial Park in Tumwater, Washington. -------------------- Miss Me - But Let Me Go When I come to the end of the road and the sun has set for me, I want no rites in a gloom filled room! Why cry for a soul set free! Miss me a little - but not too long, and not with your head bowed low! Remember the love that we once shared. Miss me - but let me go. For this is a journey we all must take, and each must go alone; It's all part of the master's plan, a step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick of heart, go to the friends we know; and bury your sorrow in doing good deeds. Miss me - but let me go. -- Love, Myrna Please leave memories of Myrna or condolences for the family in the Guestbook below.