Myrtle Adeline Jenkins

Myrtle Adeline (Taylor) Jenkins, age 102, was born September 30, 1920 in Valor, Saskatchewan, Canada to Asa and Della (Kimball) Taylor. In 1922, the family moved to Noonan, North Dakota, and Myrtle became a United States citizen. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. In 1937, Myrt graduated from Noonan High School where she was active in drama and girls’ basketball. She moved to Butler Township, Minnesota after graduation to join her family who had moved there a year before. Myrtle married Harvey Jenkins on October 10, 1940. They moved to Detroit, Michigan where they lived for ten years. During that time, Harvey enlisted in the Navy and while he was in the service, she worked as a “Rosie the Riveter” in a factory making parts for the war effort. In 1951, Harvey and Myrt purchased her parents’ farm in Butler Township. They farmed until Harvey developed cancer and passed away in 1977. The widow moved to Sebeka in 1981 and became an active volunteer – at the Menahga Nursing Home, Wadena Hospital, the American Legion Auxiliary, Meals on Wheels and her church, Our Saviour’s. She was an avid reader and shared her interest in genealogy with her niece, Brenda. An excellent handiwork person, Myrt collected many blue and grand-champion ribbons at the Steele County fair. She knit hundreds of mittens, hats and scarves for the children at Sebeka Elementary School, the Senior Center veteran’s collection and the Mitten Tree. She also made the baptismal hankies for the newly baptized at her church for many years. Myrt enjoyed card games with friends and rides in the country. The family would like to say thank you to Serenity staff and the Knute Nelson Hospice for their care and concern in Myrt’s final days. Myrtle was preceded in death by her husband, Harvey, her parents, and her sister, Fern Benci. Myrtle is survived by her nieces Sandra (Jeff) Boss and Brenda (Carl) Lenard, Sandy’s three daughters, Jane (John), Anne(Lonnie), Mary and their families, including 4 great, great nephews and nieces. Also surviving are cousins, Ron Kimball, Gloria Feldt, Judy Gelinske, Kathy Dotzenrod and Harvey’s extended family. Burial at the Hillview cemetery and a reception in Myrt’s honor will take place in the spring, with notice being made in the Review Messenger. Blessed be her memory. Those who wish to send a memorial may send it to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church, Sebeka, Knute Nelson Hospice care, Wadena or your favorite charity.