Myrtle May Bay, of Forsyth went to heaven on, June 11, 2016, her 91st birthday. Myrtle was born on June 11, 1925 in a house on 5th street in Forsyth to William Roy and Gertrude (Johnson) Straw.
She attended grade school at the Hammond Elementary School and then later attended Forsyth High School. In the early 40’s, before finishing her junior year in high school, she left for Miles City to become a waitress at the Met Café. Myrtle also worked at Katzie’s Ice Cream Parlor for Mrs. Kruger and as a waitress at Redman’s Café in Forsyth. Shortly after she moved to Miles City, she married Emil Geist. To this union one son was born, Ronald A. Geist, on July 23, 1943. They were later divorced.
Myrtle met Edmund Bay in Forsyth in the late 60’s, but went to Milwaukee where they got married on November 27, 1971. They stayed in Milwaukee for 15 years and then came back to Forsyth in 1986. Ed died a year later.
Myrtle was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church and participated in the American Legion Auxiliary. As a young girl, Myrtle was known by all as “Sister Straw.” She would retell of the time that she delivered milk and cream by bike from the family dairy. She was an animal lover, a cook and a mother to many. She had a strong willed, yet kind soul and she didn’t live by anyone’s rules, but rather did things her own way. Myrtle was a free spirit.
Myrtle was preceded in death by her parents, William Roy Straw and Gertrude Johnson; husband Edmund Bay; son, Ronald Geist; brother William K. Straw; numerous aunts and uncles, and her cousin Martha Johnson.
She is survived by her only grandchild, Daniel Geist; one brother, Harvey Straw of Crookston, Minnesota and his children and grandchildren; her aunt Berniece Higginbotham; and her cousins: Emmanuel Lee Johnson, Owen Johnson, and Andrea Pederson.
A Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 16 from 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, June 17 at 3:00 PM. Both will be held at Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home in Forsyth. Burial will follow the funeral in the Forsyth Cemetery. Stevenson and Sons funeral Home of Forsyth is assisting the family with these arrangements and condolences may be sent by visiting www.stevensonandsons.com.
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday June 16, 2016
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth , MT
Funeral Service
3:00 p.m.
Friday June 17, 2016
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT
Graveside Service
Following Services
Friday June 17, 2016
Forsyth Cemetery
2804 Old Hwy 10
Forsyth, MT
Service Schedule
Visitation
12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Thursday June 16, 2016
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth , MT
Funeral Service
3:00 p.m.
Friday June 17, 2016
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
245 Westwind Lane
Forsyth, MT
Graveside Service
Following Services
Friday June 17, 2016
Forsyth Cemetery
2804 Old Hwy 10
Forsyth, MT
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Amber Nielson says
Daniel & family, terribly sorry to hear of your loss. Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Cherish the memories
Michele Treible says
So sorry to see this. Myrtle was a sweet lady. Always had a smile.Condolences to the family
Michele Treible
Renee & Rick Corneliusen says
So sorry to learn of your Grandma’s passing, Daniel. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the extended family.