Myra F. Jenks

Myra Frances (Larson) Jenks, 93, of Merriam, Kansas, passed away on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at her home, surrounded by her family. Myra was born on June 15, 1923 to Sanfert L. and Bertha (Dye) Larson in Aurora, Missouri. In 1935, the family moved to Merriam, Kansas where she attended Merriam Grade School and met her future husband, Harry Jenks. Myra graduated from Shawnee Mission Rural High School in 1942. After high school, Myra worked for Lowell and Campbell until she enlisted in the Army Medical Corp, attaining the rank of Staff Sargent.

She married Harry L. Jenks on June 30, 1946, and made their home in Merriam, Kansas. They had three children together, Sherry Lynn, Harry Lee Jr., and Julie Ann. Myra's life revolved around her family, being a room mother, Camp Fire Leader, and Cub Scout Den Mother. She was also a score keeper for Harry Jr.'s baseball team, The Shack Packers, and never missed a single game during Julie's softball career.

When Harry Sr. was elected to the Merriam City Council, Myra also became active in the city. She was President of Historic Merriam, on the advisory board of the Irene B. French Community Center and a member of the Merriam Visitors Bureau. Myra, along with the late Mayor, Irene French, wrote the History of Merriam. She was also active in her church, Merriam Christian, singing in the choir, serving as past Chairman of the Community Outreach Committee, an Elder, a member of Christian Women's Fellowship and Church Historian. Myra was also a past President of Merriam Homemakers. She volunteered for Shawnee Mission Medical Center, where she was honored as an Outstanding Volunteer and had over 7,500 hours of service. Myra was an avid Kansas City Royals fan, never missing a game on TV and always kept score.

She is survived by her three children, Sherry Lynn Howe, Harry L. Jenks, Jr., Julie Ann Jenks and Donna Kunz of the home; five grandchildren, Jeffery Howe, Kevin (Jeannette) Howe, Deborah Howe, Buddy Jenks, Jennifer Jenks (Jason Romanishin); two great granddaughters, Tess Myra Howe, Ruby Frances Romanishin; sister, Segrid Murphy of Aurora, Missouri; brother, Phillip E. Larson of Gardner, Kansas; her fur buddy Radar; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Myra was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Junior, John Walter, Charles William, Fred Gilbert; husband; Harry L. Jenks Sr.; granddaughter, Loretta Lynn Howe; son in law, Michael Howe; and daughter in law, Paulette Jenks.

Visitation Thurs. from 10~11 a.m., at Merriam Christian Church, with a funeral service to immediately follow. Burial at Shawnee Mission Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to:

Merriam Christian Church

9401 Johnson Dr.

Merriam, KS 66203

OR

Saint Luke's Hospice

c/o Saint Luke's Foundation

4225 Baltimore Ave.

Kansas City, MO 64111