Myrla Thomas Dean, writer, musician, daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend. You would not have wanted a typical obituary, so this one’s for you, mom!

From her: I was born to Elsie Goddell and Vernon Thomas on Nov. 2, 1933 in Pasco, Wash. We lived in Goldendale, Enterprise and Hood River. The highlight of my childhood was being a Campfire Girl and I never ever forgot the songs. The University of Oregon is where I met Bob Dean. I married my pre-med fiance who then got “the calling” to be a minister. After seminary we moved to Yachats, and then to Burns, where Bob became the Mobile Minister of Harney County. I became a preacher’s wife and mom of four, but that was not “who I was”. 

When I lived in Burns, I loved participating in musical theater and was a part of the Chamber Music Society of Harney County, where I played “first violin” on my flute for our “string quartet”. I had a special-needs son named James, whom I delighted in and agonized over. Later in life, I earned a second degree in teaching from Lewis and Clark College. I taught language arts at Lincoln Junior High for 10 years. I was an author of poetry, music and a novel. I played the flute, piano and guitar. Pinochle, Halloween and fall camping were favorites of mine. Being part of the Vashon Chorale was a joy! I liked to laugh, but it was not always an easy life. This is “who I was”. I did not go too soon. My life was complete.

I passed during my afternoon nap on July 12, 2022. I was not myself anymore. I loved to talk and listen and to participate in other’s lives. Lately, I was just being cared for. Recently there were some wonderful visits from my kids and grandkids, and it gave me the knowledge that I was well loved. A very good friend told me it was okay to let go. Thank you Jeri Jo. Thank you, also, to Theresa, Nita, Richard, Genny and all who cared for me at the Vashon Island Elder Care, as well as Carrie, Charlene and Nan. To all of my good friends from Burns and Vashon, I am honored that you were a part of my life. Tom and Shelley, you invited Bob and I into your home on Vashon, and went through all of the painful stages of aging with me…and then some! I am eternally grateful. 

From her kids (SueDean, Tom, Nancy): We loved that you played the guitar as we sat around the campfire. The classical music you played for us prompted us to turn the coffee table upside down and pretend we were in a storm at sea. It was so fun watching you square dance and us falling asleep on the folding chairs. When dad brought home wild game, you would try so hard to make it taste good…thank you for that. You always worried about us…you could not help it. It was an act of deep caring. Thank you for being there with a listening ear, even to the end, you heard us and understood.

From her grandkids (Mikaela, Peter, Maggie, Logan and great grandson, Riley): We loved that you wrote short stories with us and bound them with string and cardboard. We loved that you wrote plays for us to act out. The Candy Cane Theater was something unique and special. You sang songs, delighted in reading books with us and shared your love of piano. Thank you for supporting us in all endeavors! We will miss you!

Epilogue: Myrla always placed other’s needs before her own. She suffered greatly, but never complained. Her body betrayed her, but she never stopped trying. She made friends easily, and was liked by many. She was clever. This is a  “family favorite” poem she wrote: 

Conversation with a Peach

As I said to the Peach I was slicing one time,

“I’m sorry to say it, but you’re past your prime.”

“Big deal,” he retorted, “that may be true,

But, you realize the same could be said about you.”

“Not so,” I objected with almost a shout,

“You don’t have the faintest what my prime’s about. 

Sure my knees are past dancing and my shoulders can’t reach,

But I’m learning to live, so take that, you peach.”

A Celebration of Life will be held at Dockton Park, on Maury Island, Oct. 2 at noon. Remembrances can be made to the Vashon-Maury Island Land Trust, PO Box 2031, Vashon, WA 98070.