Myrna Lea Perkins passed away at St. Vincent’s hospital in Billings on April 11, 2024 with family by her side. She was 84 years old.
Myrna was welcomed to the world by her parents, Joe and Gladys (Hanson) Lake, on December 3, 1939 in Fort Peck, Montana. Her father was a worker on the Fort Peck Dam at the time. She was the third child joining her brothers, Jerry and Bernie. Myrna grew up in Malta, Montana and graduated from high school in 1958.
She and her parents, brothers, cousins and friends spent fun times boating at their cabin on Nelson Reservoir and swimming at “The Plunge” (now known as Sleeping Buffalo Hot Springs). Myrna was an active member of the Lutheran Church, Rainbow Girls and Eastern Star.
Myrna met and married Bernard (Bernie) Sand on October 8, 1960. Myrna and Bernie moved to Baker, Montana then to Miles City, Montana where they raised their children – Sharla, Mike and Paula. Although Myrna and Bernie divorced in 1974, they maintained a friendly relationship with family and friends.
Myrna and Herbert (Jr) Perkins married on June 10, 1976, at the First Presbyterian Church in Miles City. They enjoyed life together and were rarely apart. Good times were spent camping, dancing, bowling, making cookies and hosting parties and holiday gatherings.
Myrna had a strong work ethic. She started work at a bank after high school graduation and had a long career at the Veteran’s Medical Center. After retirement, she worked at the Golden Needle with her good friend, Jane Shores. Myrna was an avid reader – a lot of time reading cookbooks and trying new recipes. She enjoyed shopping and was a thoughtful gift giver. Her home was always open to her grandchildren and their friends – often involving a swimming pool party!
Myrna was preceded in death by her parents – Joe and Gladys Lake; brothers – Jerry and Bernie Lake; sister – Karen Lake. Her children – Mike Sand and Paula Sand Harris; and Bernie Sand.
Myrna is survived by her husband, Jr, of 47 years and her daughter and son-in-law, Sharla and Paul Helland. Grandchildren – Jason Helland and Madison Mattioli (their children – Aaliyah, Aamaya, Rowan and Knox); Aaron and Brooke Helland (their children – Merik and Isla); Kara and Richard Moen (their children – Alice and Liam); Tony Sand and Mitch Sand. Sisters-in-law – Adrean Lake and Doris Lake and their families. Jr’s children – Steve, Andy, Rich, Leann, Mike, Kenny, Eileen, Jean and their families.
Special thanks to the medical teams in Miles City and Billings for their efforts, kindness and respect given to Myrna.
Should you desire, memorials may be given to the First Presbyterian Church, Miles City or to a charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Monday April 22, 2024
First Presbyterian Church
1401 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Monday April 22, 2024
First Presbyterian Church
1401 Main Street
Miles City , Montana 59301
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Monday April 22, 2024
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
Following the interment
Monday April 22, 2024
First Presbyterian Church
1401 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Service Schedule
Visitation
9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Monday April 22, 2024
First Presbyterian Church
1401 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Monday April 22, 2024
First Presbyterian Church
1401 Main Street
Miles City , Montana 59301
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Monday April 22, 2024
Custer County Cemetery
Miles City, Montana 59301
Luncheon
Following the interment
Monday April 22, 2024
First Presbyterian Church
1401 Main Street
Miles City, Montana 59301
Doing and Beth Wiedemab says
Our thoughts and prayers to Myrna’s family.
Michele says
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May the sweet memories comfort you.
Sandy Peaslee says
Sharla and Family, my deepest sympathy, I am so sorry for your loss.
Sandy and Art and family
MARTHA J CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Kim Peterson says
My sympathy to Myna’s family. My prayers and thoughts are with you. RIP my friend.
Cindy and Dale Berg says
Sharla and Family,
So sorry to hear about your mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Carl Knudsen says
Sorry to hear about Myrna, my thoughts are with her loved ones.
Donna Leitholt-Taylor says
Sharla and family I am sorry to hear this. Myrna was a wonderful person. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Valerie Schwindt says
My deepest condolences to Jr and the family.
Susan Sanderson says
Sharla, JR, & family
Please know you are in my heart and prayers at this difficult time. I enjoyed visiting with Myrna and JR. I miss our visits.
Judy Cummings says
My heart goes out to Jr. and Sharla and families.
Although we did not get together as much as we would like, we always knew we were there for one another.
We had many fun adventures in our younger years.
Myrna was a sweetheart. We enjoyed a passion for animals, whether dogs or cats. I love you my friend. RIP Myrna. Jr., sending you hugs.
Jerry and Sue Backlund says
Our thoughts and prayers go with you and your family in this difficult time. God bless you and your family.
Jean Jones says
Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still missed and very dear.
May Our Good Lord wrap you in the wings of his love.
Jim, Jean, Michael, Anna & Emma Jones
Cynthia Gregg says
My condolences to Myrna’s family. I have many fond memories from many years ago of many many nights of dart games with Myrna. She was a true treasure. Our dart league nights would not have been the same without her beautiful soul.
Charlie Gunther says
So sad to hear of Myrna ‘s passing. I worked with her at the VA and have fond memories of her. Always so friendly. May your memories of her comfort you. So sorry for your loss
Richard and LInda (Stevens) Meidinger says
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Myrna. I knew her for many years from working at the VA in
Miles City. She was a ver dear caring lady. My she rest in peace. Pray that your fun memories help you
through this difficult time.
Marilyn Frize says
My condolences to all of Myrna’s family. I first met Myrna when I did babysitting for her and later while we both worked at the VA. She was a special lady who will be missed.
Ginger Huckins says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers to all the family.
Carrie Etherington says
Sharla,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
~Carrie Etherington
Dave Wheeler says
Our thoughts and prayers to Myrna’s family
Pam Rogge says
Junior, Sharla, and family, prayers and condolences to you at this time. May cherished memories comfort you.
Mike Duncan says
So sorry to hear. Many fond memories.
Sandy McFarland Hays says
Sending prayers and condolences to all of Myrna’s family.
Nancy Iversen says
Junior, Sharla, Paul and family, our deepest condolences and prayers for all of you. Have so many fond memories of Myrna – always happy, full of life, and loved people. Doug and Nancy Iversen
Michael Brabant says
My prayers and condolences for all of you .