Myrna Marie Meeds

Myrna was born on October 18th in San Fernando, California, to Marilyn and Merlin Staller, and when she was a child they moved to Southern Oregon, where she lived for the rest of her life. She graduated from Medford High School in 1976 with an emphasis in secretarial skills, which she put to good use through the years.

In 1977, Myrna married Bruce Meeds, and they would go on to have a lifetime of adventures, including two children, Mindy and Matthew. Myrna was an avid traveler, planning elaborate trips to see national parks, visit Washington DC, explore Alaska, or just to visit places they wanted to see and spend time with friends and family. Her phone was filled with pictures of the many (many, many) trips she took, and the family she would bring along. She also loved to plan trips for other people, and more than one person has found themselves whisked away or shipped off on an unexpected journey, courtesy of Myrna and her informal travel agency.

Myrna and Bruce started their own business, American Gutter Company, in 1994 and Myrna helped with everything from hanging gutter to doing the books. She also held a number of bookkeeping positions through the years, and was widely known as someone to call if your books were in a mess and needed to be straightened out.

In addition to planning trips, Myrna also loved word games of all kinds, including rather competitive games of Scrabble, crossword puzzles, and games on her phone with far-flung friends. She also had chickens for many years and would provide regular updates on their health and social interactions. Over the years, she had diverse hobbies and projects, including quilting, sewing beautiful clothing for her family and friends when she was younger, drafting floorplans for dream houses, planning her garden, antiquing and auctions, and working with her husband on home improvement projects.

Myrna adored being a grandmother to her four grandchildren. She took them to as many fun places as she could think of and was one of the best Nanas a kid could ask for. One of her biggest regrets in her last days was that she would not get the chance to Nana them for many years to come.

In her late 40s, Myrna gave her heart to Jesus and her faith became an integral and vital part of her life. During her treatment for cancer, she had small felt “Jesus” figures that she gave to multiple people in her life, whether friends or casual acquaintances, who were struggling and needed comfort.

Myrna’s passing leaves a giant hole in the hearts of her family and friends. She was generous, loving, and passionate, and the world is a slightly dimmer place with her gone.

Myrna is survived by her husband, Bruce Meeds, of Ruch, Oregon; her father Merlin Staller, of Tehachapi, CA; her daughter Mindy (Kris Williams) of Molalla, OR and their child Pauleena; her son Matthew (Kayla), of Klamath Falls, OR, and their three children Cid, Rose, and Frankie; her sister Mickey Staller, of Salem; her brother Mark (Sylvia) Staller, of Tehachapi, CA; her brother Val Snyder, of Melbourne, FL; her brother Gus Snyder, of Gladstone, OR; her sister, April (Mike) Link, of Salem, OR, and many other beloved family and friends. She is preceded in death by her mother, Marilyn Rickert, who passed away in March.

Donations in Myrna’s memory can be made to Samaritan’s Purse and other organizations that help people in times of need, and to Asante Hospice. The family would like to thank the Asante Hospice care team for their compassionate support during Myrna’s final days.

A celebration of Myrna’s life is scheduled for 3 pm on Sunday, June 23rd, at Ruch Community Bible Church. The service will also be webcast on the Ruch Community Bible Church YouTube channel and can be found at https://www.youtube.com/live/hESXCNmNCHw.