Mostly Cloudy, 51° F
(June 24, 2003)
Long-time Powell resident centenarian Esther Myrdal died Tuesday, June 24, 2003 in Las Vegas at Nevada Summerlin Hospital. She was 100.
She was born to Sigridur and John Myrdal on Dec. 9, 1902 in Edinburg, N.D. She was a former resident of Powell. For 33 years of her life, Esther taught fourth grade and also was the principal at Parkside school in Powell from 1935 to 1968.
Upon retirement, Esther moved to Escalon, Calif., where she lived with her sister Marie Dalson. She taught in the Escalon schools while living with Marie, and once Marie retired, they both moved to Arcadia. Calif. When Marie passed away in 1995, Esther moved to Las Vegas, Nev.
In 1916, she was confirmed in the "Luthers Church," in Gardar, N.D. by Rev. Kristin K. Olasfson.
In 1929, Esther graduated from Valley City State Teachers College. She received her Bachelor's of Science degree in 1948. Prior to her Powell move, Esther taught in Penn, N.D., Grace City, N.D., and Lavina, Mont.
Esther was a 50 plus year member of the Order of Eastern Star, Alcyone #27 in Powell, and held a lifetime teaching certificate issued by the state of Wyoming.
As an avid baseball fan, Esther always rooted for the San Francisco Giants, but she also listened to the Los Angeles Dodgers so she could compare the two teams.
Esther was also an accomplished artist and her family and friends cherish her watercolor and oil paintings.
She and her sister Marie enjoyed vacationing together. They made trips together to the Scandinavian countries, including Iceland, to Great Britain and Ireland, to Egypt, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska and a Caribbean cruise.
She is survived by one sister-in-law, Mrs. Fred (Verta) Myrdal of Washington; nephews Richard Dalson of Las Vegas, Robert Myrdal of California, Don Myrdal of North Dakota, John Myrdal of Minnesota, Paul VandenBiesen of Oregon, John VandenBiesen of Illinois.; nieces Norma Tiffany of Ohio, Pauline Cobean of Washington, Jean Jensen of North Dakota, Nancy Brandvik of North Dakota., Sigrid Myrdal of Oregon, Susan Myrdal of Washington. Additional survivors include 56 great nephews and nieces and numerous great-great nephews and nieces and several great-great-great nephews and nieces.
She was proceeded in death by her parents; sisters Martha Myrdal, Ranka Stoering, Kristie VandenBiessen, Pauline Myrdal and Marie Dalson; brothers Steni, Einar, Barney, Magnus and Fred Myrdal; three infant sisters; one infant brother; and eight nieces and nephews.
At her request there were no services. Her ashes will be scattered over the Pacific Ocean near San Diego.
