Our cherished wife, sister, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Myrtle Elizabeth (Bateman) Gilmore, passed away Thursday, Jan. 6, in Evanston.
Myrtle was born in Evanston, on March 5, 1929, to John Franklin Bateman and Martha Elizabeth Phipps.
In 1943, Myrtle attended the 2nd Ward church dance, where she met Robert Gilmore. She would often say, “I saw him at that dance, and I knew I never wanted to let him go; he was the one for me.”
After Robert returned from serving for the U.S. Army in World War II, they were married on July 22, 1949. Their marriage was solemnized in the Ogden Temple on Dec. 20, 1997. Myrtle and Robert were married 72 years.
Robert and Myrtle built their family home on Elm Street. Myrtle created a welcoming, loving home for her family, creating beautiful crafts she used to decorate her home. We will remember with joy her quick wit, her sensibility, sacrifice, and most of all, her abiding love and devotion to her family.
Myrtle was always a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; she would often say there is no other place she would rather be. She loved to sing in church and was also in Singing Mothers in Evanston and served in the ward library for many years.
Myrtle traveled with her sister Grace and other family members all over North America. As her disease progressed over the last few years, Robert and other family members would take her on long car rides to bring her happiness.
She is survived by her husband, Robert; her children, Janis (Richard) Hatch, Joe (Jody) Gilmore and Donald Gilmore; and her siblings, Grace Whiting and Thomas Bateman. She spoiled her 10 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild, and many nieces and nephews. Myrtle is leaving behind a legacy of strength, courage and endless love.
Myrtle is preceded in death by her parents, John Franklin Bateman and Martha Elizabeth Phipps; her brothers, Franklin “Zeek,” Ralph and James Bateman; and her sister, Edna Bateman Gerrard.
Funeral services will take place at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 11, with a viewing from 10:30-11:30 a.m., at the LDS Elm Street chapel. Interment will follow in the Evanston City Cemetery.
The family would like to extend special thanks to Cowboy Cares, especially ShyAnne and Jason, for their loving care to Myrtle, and to the Compassionate Journey Assisted Living staff for their care during Myrtle’s final days.
Condolences may be made at www.crandallfh.com.
