Myrna Margaret Mantle was raised and adopted by Vern and Norah Mantle upon her father Rex being drafted into World War II.
They lived about a block away from the Mantle Farm so they were close enough to play with both her sister Rena and cousin Diane who lived about a block in the other direction – now Rock Plaza.
Myrna said she spent her early years in 4-H raising calves and then graduated to home economics clubs.
“We never had a chance to join a horse group, even though we loved horseback riding,” she said.
Myrna was an Irrigation princess her senior year and pursued musical pursuits in high school and throughout life. She graduated from Sequim High School in 1956.
She attended WSC (now WSU) and pledged Alpha Gamma Delta. She left after two years and got married.
Myrna has two sons Mark and Tony. She later returned to college to earn a degree in Home Economics at the University of Washington.’
Myrna obtained her teaching degree and was a substitute teacher for a few years and as a teacher at a skill center in Burien for three years. She later worked for Albertsons and QFC as a clerk for 15 years.
Myrna loves music and plays the piano, autoharp and banjo ukulele. She remains active with local groups including the Old Time Fiddlers and a jam group at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.
On being a pioneer, Myrna said, “Sequim is a wonderful place to grow up.
“I can’t think of a better childhood than the one I had here,” she said.