Myra Ellen Ecklund, 87

Myra Ellen (Gilman) Ecklund passed away at the age of 87 on May 18, 2023, with her husband of 60 years, Ernest "Carl" Ecklund, and all of her children by her side. Myra was born in Kellogg on March 10, 1936, to Al and Alice (Barnett) Gilman. She grew up in Pinehurst, Idaho, and attended Kingston High School. She earned her teaching degree from NIC and later her BA from EWU. Her teaching career spanned 44 years, including positions in Pinehurst, Republic and Valley, Wash. She was thrilled whenever any of her 1,000+ former students told her she was their favorite teacher.

Myra married Carl on Sept. 21, 1963, in Pinehurst and had three children between 1964 and 1968. They moved to Chewelah, Wash., for teaching jobs in 1970 and spent the next 30 years happily raising their kids and hosting neighborhood and family events. The highlight of every summer was camping with friends and family at Priest Lake. Myra loved vacations with the grandkids and road trips with Carl.

They retired to Medimont, Idaho, in 2000. Myra was an active member of the River of Life Church, Kingston Kids, Worthwhile Women’s Club, Good Sam’s and more. She enjoyed boating, biking, card making, reading, painting and writing stories about her grandkids.

Family, friends and faith in God meant everything to Myra. She was her children's and grandchildren’s most faithful cheerleader. In her later years, she’d often be seen at family gatherings just watching and listening with a smile on her face. Her peaceful presence will be greatly missed.

Myra is survived by her husband, Carl; son Tim and wife Cindy Stroyan (Spokane); daughter Keri (Chewelah); son Eric (Medimont); brother Wally Gilman (Yakima); six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service and reception will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 27, 2023, at Yates Funeral Home — Hayden Chapel (373 E. Hayden Ave. Hayden, ID 83835). Please visit Myra’s online memorial and sign her guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.