Obituary of Myrtle Pritchett Byrne

Myrtle passed away peacefully at her east Boise home on April 12, 2018 with her son, Ed by her side. She was 98.

She was born in rural Meridian, Idaho on February 17, 1920 to LaRue and Cora Prichett. She grew up on a small farm with two younger brothers and graduated from Meridian High School in 1938. She stayed in Meridian and worked at the local creamery and later attended Boise Junior College (BJC).

When World War II broke out, she patriotically enlisted in the U. S. Army to be part of the Womens Army Core (WAC).  She trained at Fort Benning, Georgia and went to New Guinea and the Philippines. She worked in hospital administration. Several of her army “chums” became her lifelong friends, and they steadfastly stayed in touch for many years.

After the war ended, she returned to Idaho and began working for Idaho Power in the downtown Boise billing office on Idaho Street. After working there a while, she met a young power engineer from the main office – Maurice (Maury) Byrne. They married Nov. 9, 1947 and their son, Edward was born in July 1949. After that, Myrtle became a full time housewife and stay-at-home Mom. The family moved into their first-and only – home in late March of 1951, on Mobley Drive.

Myrtle really enjoyed her homemaking years and always found time to do extra things for the community, friends and her son. These included being a Cub Scout Den Mother and baking unique oatmeal raisin cookies for friends and neighbors – especially at Christmas time!

Myrtle was an election registrar for the Boise east end polling place, Adams Elementary School, for 20 plus years, from the late 1950’s through the early 1970’s. She was very proud of this and made many acquaintances over these years throughout the Boise east end. She was extremely skilled at sewing and cloth work and was always available to a neighbor or friend who needed assistance with a tricky mending job. (Plus she made Maury and Ed some colorful shirts from scratch!)

After Maury retired from Idaho Power in 1976, they found time for some European travels.

Myrtle will be long remembered for her practical optimism, loyal friendship and cheery outlook. Mom, you were absolutely the best and you will be terribly missed!

Myrtle was a passionate animal lover, and never turned away a lonesome cat that entered her yard in search of a compassionate home. Over the years she adopted many.

Myrtle was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Maury (2009); brothers, Max (1973) and Donald (1997); several cousins – and many beloved cats.

She is survived by her son, Ed, of Boise and Pomona, California.

Graveside services will be held at Pioneer Cemetery in East Boise April 25, 2018 at 1:30 PM.

Any memorial donations may be made to her favorite charity, The Idaho Humane Society, 4775 Dorman St., Boise, ID 83705