Myrtle Crowson

Crowson, 92, Blue Springs, Missouri, after fighting a gallant fight against Alzheimer’s, went to Heaven Saturday, March 1, 2014, at Centerpoint Hospital in Independence, Missouri. Visitation will be held at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th Street, Independence, MO 64055 from 6 – 8 pm on Thursday, March 6, 2014. Funeral services will be held at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th Street, Independence, MO on Friday March 7, 2014, at 10 am, officiated by Reverend Lindy Reed. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2014 at Ferry Funeral Home, 301 W. Washington, Nevada, MO 64772, at 10 am with interment in Moore Cemetery, Nevada, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Foundation. Myrtle was the daughter of Ernest Cleo Parker and Alice Mabel Hyatt Parker. She was married November 21, 1941 in Terra Marie, New Mexico to Guy Harold Pickens who preceded her in death October 14, 1985. She married Clarence Robert “Cotton” Livesay on March 19, 1988, who also preceded her in death October 13, 2000. She married her current husband, Forrest Donald “Don” Crowson on Jan. 18, 2003. Additionally she was preceded in death by her mother, father, 3 brothers and 7 sisters. Survivors include her husband Forrest Donald “Don” Crowson of the home; daughter Guyla J. Hogan and husband Jim of Independence, MO; son Robert W. Pickens of Dallas, TX; stepson Clarence R. “Butch” Livesay, Jr. and wife Sheryl of Granite City, IL; stepdaughter Frances M. Sousley and husband Logan of Blue Springs, MO; stepdaughter Penny L. Burke and husband Dwayne of Blue Springs, MO; stepdaughter Jeannie K. Sturbinger and husband Wayne of Denver, Colorado; stepdaughter Sally E. Westerhold and husband Ronald of Blue Springs, MO and stepdaughter Susan D. Buckley of Blue Springs, MO: 18 grandchildren; 31 great- grandchildren; 6 great-great- grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Myrtle was born on February 20, 1922, in Dove Creek, Colorado. She graduated from Cortez High School in 1940 and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Fort Lewis College near Durango, Colorado, and Master’s Degree in Education from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburgh, Kansas. She began her teaching career in Mancos, Colorado as an elementary teacher. After moving to Missouri in 1952 she taught elementary education in Sheldon, Missouri. She advanced her career to the secondary education level and began teaching English and College Preparatory classes at Nevada High School and Cottey College. She retired from teaching in 1988 and moved to Blue Springs, Missouri where she remained until her passing. Myrtle enjoyed traveling with students on AFS trips overseas to assist them in gaining college credits. She was able to travel 14 times with the AFS students. She is a long-time member of the Elkettes, an auxiliary of the BPOE 2509 in Blue Springs, Missouri. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Chapter 53, Nevada, Missouri. She held the office of Grand Ada in the Grand Chapter in the State of Missouri in 1970. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Nevada, Missouri and attended the Grain Valley Baptist Church prior to her illness. You are taking a little part of us with you as you follow your angels, who will guide you to your precious place. May you look down on us with pride on what you brought into this world and with your guidance. You are now truly our angel of grace. As you enter your new Heavenly home, may you rest in peace, for which you truly deserve. You will be missed and remembered for your love and honor. We will love you always and forever and may God be with you.