MYRNA LAURETTE DODGE

    Myrna Laurette Dodge, age 92, died peacefully on November 18, 2012. Myrna was born July 12, 1920 in rural Bridgewater, Iowa, the daughter of James and Willena (Standley) Summerville.
    Myrna spent most of her young life in Creston, Iowa where the family operated a neighborhood grocery store. In 1938, Myrna married Benjamin Dodge at Fort Des Moines, where he was stationed as a cavalryman. She moved with Ben from duty station to duty station until he was sent overseas for World War II. During the war years, she moved back to Creston to live with her mother and sisters.
    After the war, she and Ben again moved among several duty stations until finally settling at Travis Air Force Base near Vacaville, California. It was there in 1952 they welcomed their son, Darrell, into their family. In 1964, the Dodge family moved back to Creston, Iowa. After Ben’s death in 1985, she lived alone until relocating to Mount Ayr, Iowa to be closer to her son and his family.
    During her life she worked as a homemaker, secretary, hotel maid and small business owner. She also was a Cub Scout den mother and member of the VFW auxiliary. She was a member of the Creston Seven-Day Adventist church, in which she held several leadership positions and spent countless hours in volunteer work.
    Myrna is survived by her son, Darrell  (Angela) Dodge of Mount Ayr, Iowa; grandchildren, Annie (Rick) Schweitzberger of Grimes, Iowa and Jentry (Daniel) Graham of Diagonal, Iowa; great-grandchildren, Emrey and Teag Schweitzberger and Dylan and Drew Graham; sister, Carrie (James) Culpepper of Portsmouth, Virginia; special niece, Norma Jean Crittenden of Mounds, Oklahoma, and several other nieces, nephews and friends.
    She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; her beloved grandson, Ben Dodge; four brothers, and two sisters.
    Arrangements were by Watson-Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr.
    Services were held at Graceland Cemetery in Creston on Wednesday, November 21, 2012, with Rev. Chris Conklin officiating.
    Casket bearers were Darrell Dodge, Annie Schweitzberger, Jentry Graham, Daniel Graham, Crae Geist and Steve Marckmann.
    A memorial fund has been established to the family for later designation.