Myrtle L. Stine

Myrtle L. Stine, mother of three daughters, ordinary in many ways, is in their opinion, extraordinary. Myrtle was born in 1909 and graduated as valedictorian from Ogden High School, Ogden, Iowa. After attending Iowa State Teachers College, Cedar Falls, Iowa, she taught eight grades in rural one room schools for five years.

Before her marriage she served as Sunday school superintendent and director of vacation Bible school at the Methodist Church in Perry, Iowa. She married Gordon Stine on June 15, 1932. They farmed in Dallas County, Iowa until retiring.

When her daughters started to school she became involved in school and community organizations to help improve their education. Myrtle organized and served as the first president of the local Parent Teacher Association in 1945 and 1946. She was elected vice-president of Iowa Parent Teachers' Association. Myrtle was instrumental in developing at her local school the first hot lunch program in Dallas County. In 1951 she was named "Dallas County Mother of the Year".

Another of her interests has been the Farm Bureau Women’s organization. She led the local club as well as served as chairperson of the Dallas County Farm Bureau Women. She chaired a district Farm Bureau Women's Committee for eight years. She and Gordon especially enjoyed the three years that they were counselors for the Dallas County Farm Bureau Rural Youth.

Myrtle's family enjoys the poetry she writes, much of it for special occasions. Some of her works have been published. Myrtle encouraged her three daughters and all of the grandchildren to further their education and has always been supportive. She is an inspiration and a role model for many of her friends and her family. Her daughters believe that she deserves being named a heroine. Norma Clayton ISU '63, Marilyn Webster ISU '59, Carol Hunter ISU '58.

Submitted on 7/1/96