Myrtle L. Laabs

Myrtle Lithabeth Shellenberger Laabs, 108, passed away peacefully at home March 9, 2013. She was born in Capac, Mich., the daughter of Hilda and Herman Shellenberger. Her early life was spent in Alberta, Canada, in Idaho on a homestead, and in Utah where she graduated from the University of Utah. She taught school, and later did graduate work at the University of California at Berkeley and at Davis (the first woman to attend Davis), and then proceeded, as a bacteriologist, to operate a dairy laboratory in Salt Lake City, Utah. Myrtle and Herman Laabs were married March 10, 1933, during the depression. They operated cheese plants for many years in several states. Myrtle started Ozark Treasures in 1962 in Ozark, Mo., (a gift and cheese shop) and retired in 1980. She was part of the Elder families to start Covenant Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Mo., and was still a member. She was active with Boy Scouts (at all levels), Brownies, Girl Scouts and DeMolay. After her husband died she became a watercolor painter, attending workshops, entering many shows and even having her own shows. She won several awards and was a founding member of Studio 55 in Springfield. Myrtle was preceded in death by her husband, Herman, in 1989; and earlier by her son, Herman Jr.; her stepdaughter, Mary Jean Robinson; and her brother, Floyd Shellenberger. She is survived by her daughter, Trina and husband, Lawrence R. "Dick" Oliver, of Springdale, Ark.; her grandchildren, James Christopher Oliver and wife, Ginger, from Arlington, Va., Scott Fredrick Oliver and wife, Maria, from Austin, Texas, and Tracy Elizabeth Barkman and husband, Mike, from Boulder, Colo.; her great-grandchildren, Madelene Victoria (Mattie) Oliver and Leo Christopher Barkman; five stepgrandchildren; and many stepgreat-great-grandchildren, all living in Utah and California. A special thanks is extended to her caregiver, Jennifer Warford. Cremation will be done by Nelson-Berna Funeral Home. A graveside memorial service for family and friends will be held the weekend of her pre-planned 109th birthday, April 27, at 11 a.m. at the Oaklawn Cemetery in Springfield, Mo. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Covenant Foundation, Covenant Presbyterian Church, 2441 S. Lone Pine Avenue, Springfield, MO 75804; or Capitol Area Council of Boy Scouts, 12500 N. IH35, Austin, TX 78753. To sign the online guest book, please visit www.nelsonberna.com.