Myrna Lee Howse was born a Capricorn on January 18, 1948 in the darkness of winter in Northern Michigan. From there she lived a beautiful life, finding the sunshine as much as possible with loved ones on her west-facing front porch, sun-filled talking room, on the beaches of the East Bay, and along the Gulf coast during her winter residencies in Orange Beach, Alabama.

Myrna Lee (nee Booth) Howse (age 75) reached the end of her life's journey on December 5, 2023 surrounded by family in the "talking room" of the South Bay Shore Drive house she built with her husband of 56 years, Glen Howse. Myrna called this magical place home all her life, born in Elk Rapids, the 6th of 10 children born to Clayton and Donna (Dingman) Booth.

She grew up on the family farm in Elk Rapids Township and attended Elk Rapids Schools (Class of 1966) where she played the bass drum in the band and worked at Corner Drug. After graduation she moved to Lansing where she began work with JC Penneys selling shoes prior to beginning a career with the State of Michigan in the Department of Labor in wage/hour where she managed District offices in Detroit and Lansing.

It was in Lansing that she met her husband, Glen Howse and the two were married on November 11, 1967, prior to Glen's enlistment in the US Army. As young newlyweds, Myrna moved with Glen to Georgia before he went overseas to Vietnam. Moving back to Lansing, Myrna found close friendship with the office girls who shared and followed news of their loved ones during the war.

Myrna and Glen bought their first home, a duplex in Lansing, shortly after Glen left the military. Glen became a partner in a commercial electrical contracting firm, C&L Electric. They had two daughters, Capalene Howse (1976) and Brandy (Howse) JonkerBurke (1977) and moved to a home they built in the village of DeWitt, north of Lansing. Myrna began working at DeWitt Public Schools in the fall of 1984 as a paraprofessional where she served for two decades.

All this time, Myrna maintained close home ties to Elk Rapids where she and her family spent their summers. In Elk Rapids, her life was one defined by her caring friendships and service to others. She served on the Elk Rapids Village Council and was also influential in the city's effort to build modern bathhouse facilities at the City Beach. She was President of the Elk Rapids Housing Commission. She also volunteered with Meals on Wheels, driving and delivering food to hundreds of seniors across the Chain of Lakes region for a decade.

She brought kindness and a can-do attitude to life. "She knew how to be a good friend." The talking room and front porch were favorite spots to host the legions of family, friends, and neighbors who dropped by mornings and afternoons for coffee or drinks. She also had a special place in her heart for helping young people and the elderly find their way through life's journey. The Elk Rapids News also honored her as a "Caughtya Being Good" award winner for her hands-on efforts picking up trash along the river and bay. She was also a booster of the Elk Rapids Police and Fire Departments, well known for delivering snacks and baked goods to the officers.

Myrna (Ta as her grandkids knew her) was the consummate "Beach Mom" to her own children and adopted kin alike. She loved spending time at the Corner Beach. She also loved hosting her daughters' families and friends, always ready with a load of towels, sand toys, and beach chairs included with taxi service in her minivan or convertible.

Myrna was a winner in life judging by the people who loved her and her good luck streak at the casino with her lucky number 11. She enjoyed lifelong friendships with her sisters and cousins, frequent co-conspirators in shenanigans during annual girls' weekends and outings around the state. Myrna loved going out and enjoying Tanqueray and Tonics as well as live music. Some of her favorites included seeing Celine Dion in Detroit and Elton John on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour with her sister and daughters.

Myrna was preceded in death by her parents, Clayton and Donna (Dingman) Booth, sisters Bonnie (Larry) and Marilyn (Guy) and brothers Ronald (Linda), Roger (Mary Ann). She is survived by her husband Glen, children Capalene (Eric Gollannek) Howse & Brandy (Sam) Jonker-Burke, and grandchildren Kai Tinsley, Isaac Jonker-Burke, Odin and Willem Gollannek. Sisters include Charlene (Ed) Bussa, Janet (Larry Scarlett) Saylor, Carol (Dave) Himebauch, Valarie (Larry) Ball and Judy (Bruce) Parliament.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel (312 Pine), with visitation at 10 AM and service at 11 AM with a reception to follow at the Historic Elk Rapids Town Hall (401 River Street) from 12-2 PM. Donations may be made to benefit Antrim County Commission on Aging and Hospice of Michigan.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, Covell-Elk Rapids Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com