Myrtle Marie (Tucker) Schroeder

Missoula - Myrtle Marie Schroeder, 97, died peacefully with son Gary, daughter-in-law Becky, and oldest granddaughter Jessica by her side on October 25, 2024, at Community Medical Center, Missoula MT. Myrt was born April 4, 1927, in Bridger, MT. to Clarence and Sadie (Foust) Spencer. The family moved to Moiese, MT. in 1929 to work on Uncle Earl Foust’s farm. After graduation from grade school, the family moved to Missoula, MT. Myrt attended one day of school at Missoula County High and did not want to go back. Myrt secured two jobs working at Woolworths during the day and the Wilma theater ushering at night. In 1945, she married Matthew Gress and welcomed a son, Ronald, in 1947. In 1955, Myrt married Gerold Tucker. Gerold worked road construction traveling to McCall, Idaho, Libby, Perma, Hungry Horse, Trout Creek and the Lochsa. In March of 1957, a son Gary was born. In 1958, they returned to the Tucker ranch in Lolo to raise cattle. In November of 1958, a daughter Jodie was born. Large, family gatherings were an frequent occurrence during the summers. She would feed 20 plus family members and neighbors out of a tiny, trailer house kitchen. She loved to cook and often could be found reading cookbooks at night like a novel. She baked delicious homemade rolls and breads, amazing cinnamon rolls, fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, sour dough pancakes, cakes, cookies and fudge. Myrt could make most anything with ease. Life was busy raising kids, participating in school events, serving on the Lolo School Board, an active member in the Lolo Homemakers Club and a 4-H leader. She welcomed Karl Krull into the home and family as an FFA exchange student from Wisconsin. In 1973, Myrt left the ranch and reentered the work force, employed as a waitress/bartender at Liberty Lanes Bowling Alley and in later years the Press Box. Myrt’s warm smile and quick wit served her well in these positions. She loved a good joke and relished playing a clever trick on some unsuspecting person. Myrt met and married Leo Schroeder in 1980 and moved to Polson, MT. Leo was an avid and skilled golfer. He coached Myrt and soon she was golfing alongside him. She began competing and won several pro-am tournaments. Myrt loved her time on Kings Point on Flathead Lake. Myrt enjoyed her social life and made many new friends who became family to her. She held a special place in her heart for her Polson ladies, and her longtime friends for the support they gave her through the years. She was blessed with 5 grandchildren that she loved to spoil and enjoyed hearing about their activities. In later years, she became “Gigi,” to 5 great grandchildren. Myrt had a great memory for facts, dates, stories and names. She loved old western music, crossword puzzles and reading books. In 2018, Myrt moved into the Missoula Manor after Leo’s passing. She enjoyed her weekly coffee hour with the retired sheriffs’ group, and catching up on the latest gossip with her girlfriends. Myrt looked forward to her motor home rides with Ed and the girls from the Manor for lunch, dinner, and viewing Christmas lights. Myrt is survived by son Ronald (Lynda) Gress of Redmond, OR; son Gary (Becky) Tucker of Lolo, MT; daughter Jodie (John) Mackey of Sterling, AK; sister Dixie Parker of Spokane, WA; grandchildren Jessica (Brian) Overbaugh, Garrett Tucker, Marissa Tucker, Michael (Kelli) Martin, Mariah (Rod) Luamanu; great grandchildren Brooklynn Tucker, Meadow Luamanu, Rainbow Luamanu, Brielle Overbaugh, Aaliyah Overbaugh; and numerous nieces and nephews. Myrt was proceeded in death by her parents Clarence and Sadie Spencer; brothers Arthur, Lee, and Walter; sisters Olive (Tootie), Gracie, Faye; and husband Leo Schroeder. A special thanks to Ed Johnson, Ron and Joan at the Missoula Manor for all their love and support in helping to watch over and take care of her. Thanks, also to Tammy who made her feel more beautiful each week. Whitesitt Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2025. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

Memories of Myrt

She was special, truly one of a kind,

A friendship like hers, was hard to find.

An early morning riser, never liked to be late,

Despite all that she juggled on her plate.

She knew her way around the kitchen, inside and out,

Everyone loved her baking and cooking, without a doubt.

Isn’t she lovely, and spicy to boot,

Time spent with her, was a guaranteed hoot.

Golf balls and tees, Leo taught her the game,

She competed and won several tournaments that came.

Always prepared, brought a coat when it rained,

Scarves were a must, never wrinkled or stained.

Quarters, dimes, and $2 bills, taped and hidden so well,

Inside cards and packages sent, you just could never tell.

Birthday cards were always early, never once did she miss,

But nothing compared to a real hug and kiss.

Full of endless, riddles and jokes on any given day,

You never knew what she might come out and say.

Her goal was your laughter, she knew how it heals,

She put on her best, in spite of how she feels.

She had a heart full of love, spilling out from within,

Having her in your life, was nothing but a win.

With three children of her own, then five grandchildren came next,

Followed by five great, grands, whose cards were signed with cute text.

She loved life to the fullest, did things her own way,

Making a phone call, just to say “Hey.”

At 97 years old, she still fixed her hair,

Fingernails always painted with a color so rare.

She was sharp as a sword, recollections so vast,

She could clearly remember a scene far in the past.

A bounty of friends both far and near,

So many memories she held on to so dear.

A woman we are all thankful to have loved and had,

A woman who wouldn’t want us to be mournful and sad.

Independent and fierce, always put on a brave face,

She was welcomed into Heaven with God’s warm embrace.

Love you,

Your family

She fought with grace
But never reached her goal
She wanted to be on Smuckers at 100 years old
Her time has come
And we are alone
Don't worry for I am home
Rainbows are God's light
Don't worry I'm alright
 
Your son Ron  

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