Myrna McLaughlin Jan. 2, 1922-Aug. 8, 2017

     Myrna McLaughlin passed away on Aug. 8, 2017 at St. Luke’s hospital in Cedar Rapids after a brief illness. She was 95. Born on Jan. 2, 1922, she was the only child of Floyd and Laura Pearse McCorkel of Quimby, Iowa, the town in which she was raised.

     She was preceded in death by her husband, James Noble McLaughlin. They were married on Dec. 21, 1944 and raised five children on their Monticello farm, Will-O-Mac.

     She is survived by five children: Scott McLaughlin of Davenport, Iowa, Mary Farley and her husband Michael of Ankeny, Iowa, Laurel Blackwell and her husband Fred of Phenix City, Ala., Ann McClusky of Monticello, and Bill McLaughin and his wife Penny of Monticello; in addition to 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

     Her life well lived will be celebrated at services on Monday morning at 10:30 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Monticello, Iowa. Presiding will be Rev. Emory Gillespie. Arrangements are being coordinated by Goettsch Funeral Home in Monticello. The family will receive friends on Sunday afternoon from 3-6 at the funeral home.

     Mrs. McLaughlin graduated from high school in Quimby in northwest Iowa. She was valedictorian of her high school class and one of only two girls from her graduating class to attend college. She attended Iowa State Teacher’s College (now UNI) receiving a bachelor’s degree in music with minors in English and French. She later received a master’s degree in Music Education from Drake University, also continuing graduate studies to be certified in the area of Library Science.

     Her first teaching assignment was to replace a music teacher in Anamosa who was called into service during World War II. From Anamosa, her teaching career took her to Coggon, Maquoketa Valley, and to Olin, spending 30 years investing in the lives of young people in our region. She taught music and English, served as the school librarian, and was responsible for directing countless theatrical and musical productions. She is remembered by her students as someone who saw their potential, invested personally in their lives, and as someone who instilled in them both a knowledge and appreciation of the performing arts.

     Mrs. McLaughlin was a valued contributor in every aspect of her life. Earlier in her life, she served as a volunteer at Edinburgh. She was a charter member of the Monticello Heritage Center, helped establish Monticello Riverside Gardens, and served as a charter member and president of the Jones County Historical Society. She was a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church, and a member of PEO and 94 Club.

     She was an avid Cubs fan and watched every pitch of every game. A lifelong ambition was realized last year when her Cubs became World Series champions.

     Myrna McLaughlin did not measure her lifetime by clocks or calendars. Her life was measured by more important markers – by family milestones, by achievements of others that she nurtured and taught, by memories made through friends, retirement years spent with Jim in Florida, travel, and community involvement.

     She was truly a member of the greatest generation. Her contributions were made without flash or fanfare. Her demeanor was modest. She was a developer of student potential, a builder of family, a lover of the arts and refinement, and an asset to her community. She will be remembered for a lifetime of selfless service to her students, to her family, to her church, and to her adult home of Monticello.