Myrle Tippets Obituary (1919 - 2021)

Myrle Elva Tippets passed away on February 12, 2021 at age 101. She was born on May 1, 1919 in a log cabin in Chilly, Idaho, second of seven children to Leona and Ira Lambert. She grew up in Mackay, Idaho during the Great Depression. Her family subsided on farming and raising sheep. Their houses had no utilities and she and her brothers walked miles to school. All her life, she maintained a strong bond to her Mackay roots. After graduating from high school, she worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to earn money for secretarial training at Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho. It was in Pocatello that she met Clyde Tippets. They were married in 1940 and stayed together until his passing in 2002. During World War II, the couple moved to Vanport, Oregon where Clyde built ships for the war effort. In 1947, they moved to Boise just months before Vanport was destroyed by a sudden flood. They bought an acreage in Boise where they lived for 51 years. They reared three sons and made ends meet by raising large gardens, fruit crops and livestock. In 1961, Myrle went to work for the Boise School District in the hot lunch program. She worked at various schools until her retirement in 1998 at age 79. Her favorite school was Koelsch Elementary where she managed the kitchen for over 20 years. She loved cooking and baking for the children. Following her retirement, she volunteered at Koelsch to help children with reading issues. Myrle spent the first four years of retirement caring for Clyde until his passing. She bought her "dream house" where she raised beautiful vegetable and flower gardens. She enjoyed canning and freezing the food that she grew. Her favorite flowers were the tall bearded irises. She often entered her irises in competitions and won "Best in Show" on multiple occasions. Myrle also loved to sew and made many quilts, embroideries, and clothes for her children and grandchildren. Myrle was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She belonged to the Boise 16th Ward since its inception and had many close friends. Her faith and spiritual following were always an important element of her life. Myrle had 11 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren who she loved very much. Grandchildren were a very special part of her life and nothing excited her more than a visit from one of her grandchildren and their families. For her 100th birthday, friends and relatives came from 5 states and all part of Idaho to celebrate her century mark. It was a highlight of her life to be a centenarian and have her friends and relatives with her on this special occasion. Myrle is survived by her sons, Wayne (Deanna) of Boise, Larry (Mardell) of Boise, and daughter-in-law, Kathy Tippets. She tragically lost her son, Roger, 18 months ago. This was a very difficult time for her and she will now join him in a joyous setting. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Clyde; her parents Leona and Ira Lambert; brothers: Vern Lambert, Boyd Lambert, Clyde Lambert, Harold Lambert, Wayne Lambert; and her sister Nina Whiting. Myrle wished to thank her grandchildren and her nephew, John Lambert and his wife, Larue, for their support during the last several years. She also wanted to acknowledge her long-time friend Joyce White who sadly passed last year. Due to the pandemic restrictions, the family will hold a private service. A memorial to Myrle's 101 years will be held at a later date when health conditions permit. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Metro Meals on Wheels in Boise or to the Idaho Children's Trust Fund.