MONTROSE — Myrtle Eileen Cain, age 88, passed away at her home in Montrose of natural causes on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2009. Myrtle was born in Platte City, Neb. on Sept. 12, 1921, the ninth child of Henry and Clara (Brock) Hollman. Myrtle spent her childhood in Nebraska until the age of 15. During the Great Depression, Myrtle traveled by train to Texas to work in a domestic capacity with her cousins for a wealthy French Ambassador. She recalled that on one occasion the girls were dressed up in gray taffeta with lace trim to serve the notable dinner guests, among them, Henry Ford. After a couple of years, Myrtle saved her money, paid her uncle back for her train fare, and with her savings returned home. On Nov. 8, 1941, Myrtle married Allan C. Cain. In January of 1942 , Allan was shipped to the South Pacific at the beginning of WWII. During that time, Myrtle went to California to live with her brother and his wife. After working for the Navy at Mare Island for one year, she went to work for Douglas Aircraft as a “Rosie the Riveter” for two years. When Allan came home from the war after three years, they moved to Montrose and made their home there, raising their two daughters. Myrtle started the blood bank in Montrose in the mid 1940’s. After Allan died, she worked as a volunteer during elections. In addition to her long time volunteer work at the Montrose Visitor Center, she also served Meals on Wheels. Myrtle was raised a Lutheran and her faith was her strength. The support of her family, good friends and neighbors and from her church allowed Myrtle to stay in her own home, something she truly appreciated.
Myrtle is survived by her daughters, Kathy Hockin of Hayden, Colo., Judy Benham of Longmont, Colo.; her grandchildren, Aileen Hockin and Aleah Hockin, both of Hayden, Timothy (Kurrin) Benham of Arizona, and Kimberly (Jason) Pundmann of Missouri; her special friend, Morris Christy, also of Montrose, as well as a number of nieces and nephews and great-nieces and great-nephews, who were a special part of her life and a great joy to her. Myrtle was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Allan on Jan. 14, 1984; her grandson, Albert Hockin; and her six brothers and three sisters. A visitation for family and friends will take place at Hope Lutheran Church in Montrose on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, from 9 to 11 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. at Hope Lutheran Church. Valley Lawn Funeral Home is in charge of the care and arrangements for Myrtle and her family, 505 S. 2nd St., Montrose, CO 81401 (970) 249-4400.
Ellen Campbell wrote on Oct 12, 2009 3:50 AM:
Our prayers continue to be with you all at this sad time.
Love, Ellen "