Myrtle Ella Mae King, 100, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013 following a short illness.
Myrtle was born in Detroit, Kansas on April 15, 1913 to Franklin and Effie Weir. She celebrated her 100th birthday in April of 2013.
She and her late husband Alfred moved to California in 1943 taking up residence in Vallejo where Alfred had acquired work at Mare Island shipyards. While living in Vallejo, Mrytle worked at Bruener’s furniture store. They then moved to Escalon in 1946 where Myrtle resided until her death.
She was a very caring, loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her family was her pride and joy. She always had a smile on her face and homemade cookies when anyone came to visit.
Mrs. King was very active all of her life raising her six children. She worked mostly at home taking in washing and ironing. She then worked many years for Western Auto while still keeping a wonderful home for her children and their many friends. She enjoyed crocheting, quilting and loved to read.
She and her husband enjoyed taking trips in their travel trailer. They visited Kansas many times, other states, destinations in Canada, and lots of lakes and state parks in California.
Myrtle and Alfred also served the Escalon community for many years delivering Meals-On-Wheels to Senior Citizens. After Alfred’s death, Myrtle continued to devote time to the Senior Citizens Program.
For the last 10 years, her grandson, Christopher, has lived with her taking care of her as needed. For the last two years, other family members also contributed to Myrtle’s care.
Survivors include four children, Patricia Wood of Escalon, Alfred (Shirley) King, Jr. of Modesto, Barbara Werner of Escalon, Linda (Duane) Zier of Stockton; son-in-law, Richard Altamirano, Escalon; and daughter-in-law, Gretchen King, Escalon. She is also survived by 14 grandchildren: Cynthia Altamirano, Gary Altamirano, Debra Schuler, Daryl Altamirano, Judith Lopez, James Wood, Anthony King, Joel King, Philip King, Christopher Werner, Steven Werner, Karen Werner, Brian Werner, and Stefani Lankford; 19 great grandchildren; 23 great great-grandchildren; one great great great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Alfred King, Sr.; daughter, Vera Altamirano, and son, Bruce King; two sons-in-law, Fredric Werner and Kenny Wood; and one great grandson, Grant Altamirano. She was also preceded in death by her four older brothers, Homer, Lester, Cecil and Delbert Weir.
A brief graveside service will be Saturday, Nov. 23 at 10 a.m. at Burwood Cemetery, 28320 E. River Road, Escalon. A memorial service will follow the graveside service at 10:45 a.m. at Escalon United Methodist Church, 2000 Jackson Ave., Escalon.
A reception will be held at the Escalon United Methodist Church social hall following the Memorial Service.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
Nov. 20, 2013
