Myrtle Arline (Monson) Mason

Myrtle Arline (Monson) Mason, 79, died Dec. 18, 2003, in Omaha. She was born Nov. 8, 1924, in Wilimer, Minn.

She was baptized at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Irwin, Iowa, and was a lifelong member of the Lutheran church. She graduated from Irwin High School in 1942 and then from Immanuel Lutheran with a degree in nursing in 1947, where she also practiced as a registered nurse.

She married Dr. Roger Dale Mason on July 23, 1954, in Brookings, S.D., and together they shared a lifetime commitment to the medical profession, building their first medical practice in Conrad, Mont., and a second in McCook before moving back to Omaha where Dr. Mason served as chief medical officer for Blue Cross Blue Shield until they retired to Green Valley, Ariz., in 1991.

Myrtle's commitment to the medical profession through her own work and support of her husband spanned a lifetime, yet their love for each other is eternal. It is difficult to speak of one without speaking of the other for they were, and are, inseparable. And beyond their faith in God, nothing was more important to them than their love for each other, their children, grandchildren, extended family and friends.

Myrtle will be remembered for her unconditional love and commitment to her husband, family and friends, her joyous spirit and her eternal optimism. She was a great mom. Her smile could light up a room and even in the face of her own sorrows, she found ways to bring comfort to those around her. She loved all things in nature, especially gardening and taking care of all of God's creatures, especially birds.

She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Eric R. and Jeri Mason of Kansas City, Mo.; her daughter and son-in-law, Karen M. and John Bellman of Lynn Haven, Fla., and her daughter and son-in-law, Denise M. and Michael B. Chambers of Broken Arrow, Okla.; her grandchildren, Miranda Sue Mason, Ryan P. Mason, Brady A. Barger, Briana A. Barger and Matthew J. Bellman; and great-granddaughters, Kelsi Lynn Mason, Mariah K. Mason and Cierra Kay de la Garza. Also her sisters, Thelma Olson of Irwin, Iowa and Ruby Pump of Peterson, Iowa; her brother, Elmer Monson of Huntley, Ill.; her sister-in-law, Lillian Monson of Green Valley, Ariz.; numerous nieces, nephews and life-long friends.

Myrtle was preceded in death by her husband, Roger Dale Mason; their daughter, Claudia Sue; grandchildren, Tiffany and Nichole Mason and Lance Sterling Barger; her parents, Ephraim S. and Mollie C. (Thompson) Monson; brothers, Sanford, Herman, Orval and Archie; sisters, Evona Mae and Alvah; and brothers-in-law, Bert Olson, Harry Pump and Gaylord Johnson.

Visitation services are at Roeder Mortuaries, 2727 North 108th Street, Omaha, (402)496-9000.

Visitation was Sunday. Services are Monday, 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to the American Diabetes Association, your own church or favorite charity.

Announcement courtesy of Herrmann Funeral Home.