Myrtle F. Pickens-Livesay-Crowson

Myrtle F. Pickens-Livesay-Crowson, 92, Blue Springs, Mo., after fighting a gallant fight against Alzheimer's, went to Heaven Saturday, March 1, 2014, at Centerpoint Hospital, in Independence, Mo. Myrtle was born on Feb. 20, 1922, in Dove Creek, Colo.

Myrtle was the daughter of Ernest Cleo Parker and Alice Mabel Hyatt Parker. She was married Nov. 21, 1941, in Terra Marie, N.M., to Guy Harold Pickens who preceded her in death Oct. 14, 1985. She married Clarence Robert "Cotton" Livesay on March 19, 1988, who also preceded her in death Oct. 13, 2000. She married her current husband, Forrest Donald "Don" Crowson on Jan. 18, 2003.

Additionally she was preceded in death by her mother; father; three brothers; and seven sisters. Survivors include her husband, Forrest Donald "Don" Crowson, of the home; daughter, Guyla J. Hogan and husband, Jim, of Independence, Mo.; son, Robert W. Pickens, of Dallas, Texas; stepson, Clarence R. "Butch" Livesay Jr. and wife, Sheryl, of Granite City, Ill.; stepdaughters, Frances M. Sousley and husband, Logan of Blue Springs, Mo., Penny L. Burke and husband, Dwayne, of Blue Springs, Mo., Jeannie K. Sturbinger and husband, Wayne, of Denver, Colo., Sally E. Westerhold and husband, Ronald, of Blue Springs, Mo., and Susan D. Buckley, of Blue Springs, Mo.; 18 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; six great-great- grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She graduated from Cortez High School in 1940 and went on to earn a bachelor's degree in education from Fort Lewis College near Durango, Colo., and master's degree in education from Pittsburg State University in Pittsburg, Kan. She began her teaching career in Mancos, Colo., as an elementary teacher. After moving to Missouri in 1952, she taught elementary education in Sheldon, Mo. She advanced her career to the secondary education level and began teaching english and college preparatory classes at Nevada High School and Cottey College. She retired from teaching in 1988 and moved to Blue Springs, Mo., where she remained until her passing.

Myrtle enjoyed traveling with students on AFS trips overseas to assist them in gaining college credits. She was able to travel 14 times with the AFS students. She is a long-time member of the Elkettes, an auxiliary of the BPOE 2509 in Blue Springs, Mo. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star, Chapter 53, Nevada, Mo. She held the office of Grand Ada in the Grand Chapter in the State of Missouri in 1970. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Nevada, and attended the Grain Valley Baptist Church prior to her illness.

You are taking a little part of us with you as you follow your angels, who will guide you to your precious place. May you look down on us with pride on what you brought into this world and with your guidance. You are now truly our angel of grace. As you enter your new Heavenly home, may you rest in peace, for which you truly deserve. You will be missed and remembered for your love and honor. We will love you always and forever and may God be with you.

Visitation was held from 6 to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 6, at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th Street, Independence, MO. 64055.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., today, at Speaks Suburban Chapel, 18020 E. 39th St., Independence, Mo., and will be officiated by the Rev. Lindy Reed. A memorial service will be held on at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 8, at Ferry Funeral Home, 301 W. Washington St., Nevada, with interment in Moore Cemetery, Nevada. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Alzheimer's Foundation.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.speakschapel.com or www.ferryfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are made by Speaks Suburban Chapel, Independence, Mo., and Ferry Funeral Home, Nevada.