Myrtle Atkinson

Myrtle (Mitchell) Atkinson was peacefully reunited with her eternal husband Jerald (Jug), on October 24, 2024. Myrt was born on July 21, 1944 to Mark and Laile (McNeil) Mitchell in Coalville, Utah. She was raised in the beautiful Kamas Valley in Utah.

Myrtle grew up watching her big brother Mike Mitchell and baby sister Myrlene "Mutty" Fowles kick up mud and manure around the pastures of the Myrick Ranch, while she stayed nestled on the porch reading her Laura Ingalls Wilder "Little House" books.

Following in her mom & dad's footsteps as closely as she could, she learned all she needed to know about the farm and family life. Myrtle was an excellent seamstress and cook, learning most of her skills from her mom, grandmothers and from her lifelong friends of the Ritzie Cooks 4H club.

In 1965, Myrt gave birth to her first child, Gary Atkinson. Together they set off on many adventures but never strayed too far from home. In the summer of 1965 Jerald Atkinson returned from the Marines and after a brief romance they tied the knot in Elko Nevada on October 8th, 1966. They were sealed in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in 2006.

That romance quickly brought on the completion of their family: Melinda was born in 1967. After their wedding, Myrt and Jug moved to Las Vegas, then later relocated to their forever home in Lyman, Wyoming.

In Lyman, Myrtle worked a few jobs from the 7-11 to First State Bank also, working the paper route delivering papers across the valley with her kids in tow; rain or shine.

She is mostly known, however, for her jobs at the IGA grocery store, the Lyman Mercantile and Davidsons Clothing. Myrtle was small but fierce and became a manager of the merc where she ran a tight ship and created many lasting friendships.

Myrt was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in her twenties and began to slow down some in her 50's when she settled into early retirement. Early retirement meant spending more time with her grandchildren whom she adored, teaching them to cook, bake, crochet, drive and even teaching the kids to siphon and steal water from the irrigation ditches to water the lawn and create puddles for the them to enjoy. One of her favorite things to do was pack up a picnic basket full of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and head outside.

She even set up tents in the backyard to have sleepovers with all the kids.

Throughout her time in the Bridger Valley, Myrt devoted countless hours running the local Al-Anon/Alateen Helping many people around the clock she became a safe haven for many young people. She took countless phone calls just to be a helping hand and advocate.

She will be remembered around the valley for her kindness, determination and a helper to anyone who needed it at any time.

Myrtle lived the last two years of her life with her daughter, Melinda who cared for her around the clock. Together, their bond grew even stronger. Sometimes they argued like a married couple, but always enjoyed each other's company and kept each other out of trouble. You may wonder what kind of trouble someone in a wheel chair can get into but use your imagination. The adventures were wild!

Melinda, your family is very thankful for all your love, dedication and sleepless nights.

Myrtle is survived by her 2 children: Gary (Heidi) Atkinson and Melinda Atkinson. Her sister Myrlene (Doug) Fowles of Kamas. Her Grandchildren Steven (Nichole) Walker, Randi (Darrin) Russell, Tiffani (Kyle Below) Atkinson, Travis (Shalee) Atkinson, Raymond Jay Atkinson and many great grandchildren, cousins and nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her adoring Husband Jerald Clive Atkinson, Her parents Mark and Laile Mitchell, Brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Janet Mitchell and sister, Lu Anne Mitchell.

A graveside service will be set for a later date in November.