Linda Myers

Linda Myers was a faith-filled woman with high moral standards and convictions that were reflected in the life she lived each day. She was never concerned with wealth according to the world’s measure, but made loving others her life’s work. Linda could stretch a dollar into two, and always found a way to make their family budget work. She had a way of making others feel at ease and was highly respected by those who knew her. Linda delighted in the family she shared with the love of her life - her children and grandchildren her greatest legacy.

The year 1945 was a year for celebration in America as the end of WWII brought countless servicemen back home to resume the lives they left behind. Industry shifted to fulfill the needs of a nation at peace while people were able to purchase several goods that had been subject to rationing as WWII raged on overseas. This was also a year of great significance in the family of Roman and Helen (Brandt) Armbrustmacher as they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Linda, on November 10th. Born in St. Johns, Michigan, Linda was the youngest of three children in her family. Her father was a farmer who later worked in a local factory while her mother was a cook at Fowler High School for a number of years. Linda was raised in the family home just north of Fowler and attended Holy Trinity Catholic School. She continued her education at Fowler High School where she excelled in her studies and was a cheerleader. Linda went on to graduate from high school with honors.

It was as a high school student that Linda met the young man with whom she would write an eloquent love story that spanned 45 years. He was a fellow student named Mark Myers and he asked her to the Homecoming dance her senior year. It was that event that served as their first date, marking a new chapter in their lives. The couple dated for a couple of years and were united in marriage on August 7, 1965, in Fowler. The newlyweds settled into a couple of apartments before building a home on the property of Linda’s family’s farm. Mark built a career at Federal Mogul while Linda worked at the Lansing State Journal.

Not long after they exchanged their vows, Linda and Mark were blessed with their first of six sons. She worked intermittently over the years that followed, although it seemed she was always leaving her job in order to have a baby. Linda’s family was always her main priority and she immersed herself into caring for her boys. She made it seem easy to balance being strict with being understanding and as a mom, she was always right! Linda instilled within her sons the importance of both faith and family, not so much by the words she used but by the example she put forth. The Myers family loved spending time together, especially when they were camping. Although they camped all over Michigan, their most treasured spots were in the Upper Peninsula. Linda was an extremely organized person who was even meticulous about camping. Linda could always make their budget work and considered it a challenge to shop sales and use coupons. She was an extremely good cook, always a great thing with six growing boys, and was famous for her casseroles. As her boys were getting older, Linda worked at the Fowler High School cafeteria, the very same place her mother had worked years earlier. She remained there for 15 years before spending a number of years working in the office at Sleepy Hollow State Park.

The common thread that is woven throughout Linda’s tapestry of time is the way she touched so many others. She and Mark complimented each other in their relationship and rarely argued. Linda loved planning family get togethers, especially at their cottage, and she always made others feel so special by sending out birthday and anniversary cards. When looking for advice, everyone knew that Linda gave out the very best, and she was always more than willing to offer a listening ear. When her family grew to include grandchildren, Linda was overjoyed. Spending time with her grandchildren was something she treasured, and she made their times together so special to them as well. Every holiday contained something just for them such as gift bags, unique traditions, and an Easter egg hunt with close to 400 eggs to find! Whether they were living in their home on the farm or the home they later built on Wacousta Rd., Linda’s home was where everyone always wanted to be. She always acted surprised if the family were to just stop by unannounced.

Although being with her family brought her the greatest joy, Linda did like a few other things as well. She was devout in her Catholic faith and was a parishioner of Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church. She was a history buff who also embraced the Native American culture. Linda found such peace when visiting Lake Superior and various places throughout the Upper Peninsula, most notably Indian Lake which had been one of their favorite places to camp. She liked gardening and watching the birds at her feeders through her window and was an avid member of the T.O.P.S. Club in Fowler.

Life became more difficult for Linda and those who loved her when she was diagnosed with cancer in 2007. She faced her illness with a graceful strength, never complained, and tried to keep her family and friends from worrying about her.

The life of Linda Myers exemplifies what it means to give generously, love deeply, and live humbly. She never worried about the things of this world, but focused her attention on caring for others. Linda was blessed to share 45 years with her true companion and as mothers go, her sons couldn’t have gotten anyone better. Her life was constant a reflection of the beliefs that were engraved upon her heart, even when the road before her became uncertain. Linda was an extraordinary woman who will be dearly missed.

Linda T. Myers died on June 13, 2010. Linda’s family includes her husband, Mark; sons, Anthony of Chicago, IL; Curt (Michelle) of Potterville; Jamey (Cindi) of Chesapeake, VA; Jonathan (Lisa) of Shepherd; Matthew (Staci) of Westphalia; and Brad (Cynthia) of Fowler; 13 grandchildren, Ashley, Rachel, Justin, Donovan, Paige, Andrea, Jordan, Halie, Tessa, Candis, Ryan, Braxton and Easton Myers; her brothers, Robert and Raymond (Janet) Armbrustmacher. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, and sister-in-law, Alma Armbrustmacher. Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 17, 2010 at Most Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Fowler with Fr. Dennis Howard presiding. Burial to follow at Most Holy Trinity Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends on Wednesday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m., with rosaries prayed at 3 and 8 p.m., at the Goerge Chapel of Osgood Funeral Homes of Fowler. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory or make a memorial contribution to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, PO Box 7086, Dallas, Texas, 75209, or, Sparrow Hospice, or, St. Joseph’s Indian School, 1301 North Main St., Chamberlain, SD, 57325.