Myrtle Duty

Myrtle Faye Huddleston Duty, born on April 2, 1924, in Yellville, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2025, at the age of 100. A cherished mother and devoted homemaker, Myrtle's life was marked by her unwavering love for her family and her deep-rooted passions.

Myrtle dedicated herself to the art of homemaking, where her talents shone brightly through her remarkable skills in sewing and quilting. Her hands were never idle; she found joy in crafting beautiful creations while surrounding herself with the warmth of family and friends. A dreamer at heart, Myrtle cultivated a thriving garden, nurturing both vegetables and flowers in hopes of creating a bountiful landscape that reflected her loving spirit.

In addition to her many interests, Myrtle was deeply committed to her faith. She practiced daily Bible reading and devotions, drawing strength and inspiration from her spiritual life. It was this faith that guided her actions and fueled her love for everyone around her.

Myrtle is survived by her loving children, Roger and Sharon Duty of Macomb, Michigan, Russell and Nancy Duty of Oceanside, California, and Bill and Mary Duty Kircher of Holland, Michigan; adoring grandchildren, Paul and Jennifer Gardella of Warren, Michigan, Al and Darla Laarman Hamel of Walpole, New Hampshire, Michael and Christine Laarman of Bitely, Michigan, Heather McNichols and her children Mara and Brendan of Virginia, Matthew and Elisabeth Duty Morrell of California, and Amber Duty of Oceanside; great grandchildren, Alyssa and Devra Hamel, Melissa Valdes, Michael Waganfeald, Alicia and Coco Martinez, Juniper Morrell; and many great-great grandchildren, nephews, and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, Forrest and Bessie Carolyn Huddleston of Rector; husband of 53 years, Sherman Devearl Duty; son, Wayne Devearl Duty of Paragould; granddaughter, Christy Gardella of Macomb; brothers, Virgil Huddleston of Swartz Creek, Michigan, Jewell Huddleston of Leachville, and A.D. Huddleston of Belding, Michigan; sisters, Ima Jean Huddleston of Rector, and Mildred Huddleston Holtsclaw of Pullman, Michigan.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 11 AM at Heath Funeral Home, allowing family and friends to gather in celebration of Myrtle's remarkable life. Burial will follow in Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector. In lieu of flowers, please honor Myrtle with memorials to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, an organization dear to Myrtle's heart.

In recognition of her unwavering spirit and full life, Myrtle Faye Huddleston Duty will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege to know her.