Obituary of Myrtle Sagen

Myrtle Alice Sagen was born on September 15th, 1914 in Alma, Montana, the 2nd of 4 children, to Christine Aaberg Stewart and John L. Stewart. When Myrtle was 11 years old her family moved to Devils Lake, North Dakota, to be closer to relatives, and continue the family farm. Myrtle was a good student, and after high school obtained her teaching certificate from Mayville State College. She began her teaching career at Cato School #4 in Ramsey County, North Dakota, a one room school house, where she had students from first through eighth grades. She often rode her horse to school and in the harsh winters would stay the night to stoke up the fire and warm the school before the children arrived. She married John Sagen of Edmore, North Dakota, in 1937, and began her lifelong career as a devoted mother of seven children. In 1943, the young family moved to the west coast and lived in several locations throughout Washington and Oregon, before settling in the Eugene area in 1950. Myrtle finished her degree at the University of Oregon and taught 4th grade at Marcola Elementary School from 1956-1981. She was a beloved teacher and kept in touch with her co-workers, students and their families, until her passing. Much to her delight, and 35 years after she retired, the community of Marcola surprised her with a 90th birthday party, filling the high school cafeteria. After retirement, Myrtle led an active life. She traveled to Europe, Israel, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico, as well as several US states. Myrtle was a member of the Obsidian’s, took swim classes at the YMCA, and volunteered for the Democratic Party and Eugene Hult Center. She loved her church, Central Lutheran, and was proud to be its oldest living member. She faithfully taught Sunday school for several years and was very involved in her bible study group, Esther circle, and numerous other church activities and volunteer projects. Her greatest joy was spending time with friends and family, and she had very special relationships with each of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her home was the place of countless family gatherings, and was always filled with love, laughter, kindness and generosity. Myrtle was able to remain living in her home through her final years, thanks to help from devoted family members. During her brief illness, her younger sister Eileen traveled from Rugby, North Dakota, along with friends and family from Montana, California, Washington, North Dakota and throughout Oregon to visit her. She passed away peacefully at home on August 18, 2014, surrounded by loved ones. Myrtle is survived by her sister, Eileen Erickson, of Rugby, North Dakota; her children, Jack Sagen of Moraga, CA, Jayne Fortt of Tacoma, WA, Jerry Sagen, Jean Bennett and spouse Ron Farmer, all of Eugene; 8 grandchildren, Kimberly Sagen, Shawn Muller, Tracy Bennett, Daren Miles, James Fortt, Hallie Fortt, Amy Railey and Brock Railey; 3 great-grandchildren, Shelby Muller, Brenna Railey, and Quinn Lejnieks; several cousins, nieces, nephews and their spouses, children and grandchildren and her little dog, Bella. She was preceded in death by her parents, John Sagen, brother Earl Stewart, sister Jeanette LaBarre, daughter Joan Miles, great-granddaughter Faith Railey and dogs, Daisy and Mitzi. A celebration of 100 years of life will be held at Central Lutheran Church, Monday, September 15, 2014 at 3:00pm with a reception following in the fellowship hall. All whose life Myrtle has touched are encouraged to join in the celebration of an extraordinary woman and a life so well lived. Memorial contributions may be made to the Central Lutheran Sunday School Fund or to the Relief Nursery. Arrangements by Musgrove Family Mortuary. Please sign the guestbook at musgroves.com