Myrna June Votaw

VICTOR - Myrna June Votaw of Victor, MT was welcomed into heaven on September 15, 2021 surrounded by loved ones.  She was born on July 20, 1937 to Ralph and Dora Richards in Decatur, NE.  She moved to Simms, MT before starting school and went on to graduate from Simms High School in 1955.  She married Duaine Lancaster and had five children.  In 1965, she married Clayton Votaw and the family moved to Oklahoma, where two more children were born.

Myrna dedicated her life to raising her children, but she impacted the lives of countless other children as well.  She spent many years working in childcare, teaching Sunday School, volunteering in her daughter’s classroom, and volunteering for three mission trips to Belize.  A friend recently described her as “everything good, beautiful, kind, and loving, and such an example of grace and faith”.  She was strong, humble, and gentle.  Myrna was an avid Montana Grizzly fan who never missed a game.  She loved being with her family, and she took great pride in caring for her youngest grandson, Aimmon.

We will forever cling to our funny stories and memories of road trips to Montana, camping and hiking in thunderstorms, and many other traveling adventures.  She had a quiet demeanor, and you’d never suspect she was often the instigator of practical jokes.  Some of her most cherished memories were of her dinners out with her dear friends in Piedmont, OK, and the many jokes she played on them.

Even in her final moments, her main concern was for those of us left behind.  She wants us to not be sad and to continue having fun.  She made our lives fun.  She was still taking care of us right up until her final moments.  Life without her will never be the same, and we were so blessed to have that kind of unconditional love.  We take comfort in knowing she is rejoicing in heaven, and we look forward to the day we see her again.

Myrna was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Dora Richards; brothers, Albe and Cecil Richards; daughter- in-law, Lisa Votaw; and grandson, Ricky Norman.  She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Clay; her children, Michelle Norman and husband Rick, Rick Lancaster, Russell Lancaster, Rob Lancaster, Melinda Nix, Dave Votaw, and Krista Poppema and husband Paul.  She also has numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, close family and friends who loved her dearly, as well as her beloved dog, Marlee.

Private family interment will take place at Corvallis Cemetery.  A Celebration of Life will be planned at a later time and will be announced.