Myrtle Etheleen McGaha Ryals

Myrtle Etheleen (McGaha) Ryals, age 98, of Mobile, AL passed away on Friday May 8, 2020. Myrtle was born August 10, 1921 in Castleberry, Alabama. Myrtle is survived by; daughter Sheryl 'Saijee' Ryals and daughter Candice Ryals (John Lorino, Jr); sister Verdell Robbins; stepson Robert Ryals, grandson Michael Ryals (Lynae), granddaughter Joan Ryals Wingard (Tip), grandson Blake Varnell (LeeAnn), grandson Brett Varnell (Brittany), grandson Dom Boivin (Alicia), granddaughter Stephie Bissonnette Boivin (John Poupart), great granddaughter Brenna Varnell, great grandson Thomas Varnell, great grandson Cade Varnell, great granddaughter Lillian Varnell, great grandson Chris Ryals, great grandson Matt Ryals, great granddaughter Maggie McNeil Butler (Adam), great grandson Parker Boivin, great granddaughter Charlie Poupart, great grandson Miller Boivin, great granddaughter Daisie Poupart and great great grandaughter Caroline Butler; and niece Gayle Racine. Myrtle was preceded in death by: father Lon McGaha; mother Inez Kirkland McGaha; husband James W. Ryals; fiancé Bill Parker; siblings Leon McGaha, Melba Grider, Everett McGaha, Colon Racine, Thelma Robertson, Eldred McGaha, and Elton McGaha. Myrtle was graduated in 1939 and shortly thereafter moved to Montgomery, AL. There, she met her future husband, James, while riding a bus to work where he charmingly offered her a piece of gum. Who could refuse that! As they say, the rest is history. In 1952, James was transferred with the Air Force to Burbank, CA where their first daughter (Saijee) was born. Their next assignment was in Niagara Falls, NY where their second daughter (Candice) was born. They were then transferred to Japan and while there she was a homemaker and later took a position as a schoolteacher. Upon returning to the States, the family eventually was stationed in Mobile, AL at Brookley AFB. Myrt remained a resident in Mobile for 59 years. Careerwise, she took a position with the City of Mobile as a data processor, became a supervisor, and was the first computer programmer in Mobile County. She retired in 1978. Myrtle had many hobbies, friends and was highly involved with her community. She was very active in Republican politics. During her marriage, she was an undercover Republican because she allowed her husband to believe she was voting Democrat just like him! (It's a southern thang, y'all.) She loved her membership in Cottage Hill Baptist Church. She was a greeter and actively served on several committees one of which was managing the Clothing Thrift Store for those in need. Myrtle was a member of the Eastern Star Organization; a member of the Baton Rouge Downtown Lions' Club; and served on the Mobile Coast Guard Board of Directors. She loved traveling around the world, almost as much as she loved a handsome man, and was well known for her happy, upbeat, and loving personality. Her traveling buddies enjoyed telling the tale of her dancing the can-can on a tabletop in Paris, and she was quite proud of the fact she had kissed the Blarney Stone several times! Myrtle loved to play canasta and later in life became a very good artist which was evidenced by her paintings. She had a gift for making people around her feel loved and special and there wasn't a neck she wouldn't hug. It was not uncommon to see her screaming & streaking through a room with a broom to escape from a lizard's presence. She was extremely afraid of any reptile whether on tv or loose in nature. Her grandsons and their friends believed she was the best chicken'n'dumplins' maker in the country and her brownies were to die for! Myrtle's greatest pleasures were shopping 'til you drop and getting her hair "did". With such an active lifestyle that held many adventures, it is now time for Myrt to rest... Myrtle will be laid to rest in the Devotion Gardens at Serenity Gardens. A Celebration Of Life Party will be announced by the family at a later date. "So git yer dancin' shoes ready!" Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.serenityfuneralhome.com for the Ryals family.

Tributes

Myrtle Etheleen McGaha Ryals

August 10, 1921 - May 8, 2020