On September 11, 1909 in Wausa, Nebraska Anthon and Laura (Newman) Nelson were blessed with the birth of a daughter, Myrtle Viola. Myrtle entered into eternal peace on Monday afternoon; September 15, 2008 at Montgomery County Memorial Hospital in Red Oak, Iowa.
The Nelson family moved back to Essex when Myrtle was 4 years old. She attended rural school and graduated from Essex High School with the Class of 1927. She was a confirmed member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Essex.
Myrtle was united in marriage to Milton Hillman on December 22, 1934 and to this union two children were born, Judith and James. The couple resided in Essex where they made home and raised their family. Myrtle moved to the Arlington Place in Red Oak, where she resided for four years. In May of 2008 she moved to the Stanton Care Center where she resided until her passing.
She was a dedicated homemaker who enjoyed spending time with her family. She also enjoyed gardening, fishing, camping, playing cards, playing the piano, as well as the organ.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband Milton in 1992, and a sister Evelyn Bloom.
Those left to cherish her memory include her son Jim Hillman and wife Mary Ann of Lee Summit, Missouri, a daughter Judy Jorgensen and husband Stan of North Bend, Nebraska; grandchildren; Kent Jorgensen and wife Janice, Lori Unick and husband David, Julie Burns and husband John and Michelle Titus and husband Justin; 7 great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law Margret Hillman of Sioux City, Iowa; other relatives and many friends.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, September 18, 2008, at 3:00 p.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church in Essex. Words of comfort were given by Pastor Jerry Lamb. The congregation sang, "What A Friend We Have In Jesus", "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art". Judy Lundgren was organist. Ushers were Phil Johnson and Bob Anderson. Attending the memory register were Dorothy Holmes and Regina Wallin. Honorary casket bearers were Kent Jorgensen, David Unick, John Burns and Justin Titus. Casket bearers were Dennis Bloom, Tom Hillman, John Hillman, Dick Lantz, Dave Gammell, Kenneth Lindell and Marvin Honeyman. Interment was in the Essex Cemetery. Memorials in Myrtle's name are being directed to St. John's Lutheran Church. The Hackett-Livingston Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.