McGinnis, Myrtle E.

Myrtle E. McGinnis, 95, of Iowa City, died Tuesday, April 5, 2011, at the Iowa City Nursing and Rehab Center. Memorial services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, April 9, at Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service.

Myrtle was born April 2, 1916, in Iowa City, the daughter of Milo and Marie (Sullivan) Palmer. She had attended City High School here in Iowa City. Myrtle was united in marriage to Clark E. McGinnis of Coralville and they had three children, Carole Swiggard, Sharon Commings and John Ralph McGinnis.

She is survived by her three children, seven grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Bev Palmer; brother-in-law, Steve Vincent; special nephew, Mitch Martin; and many other nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters, Mildred (Sis), Bethel, Rosemary (Rosie) and Caroline; and a brother, Milo (Bud) Palmer Jr.

In the early 1930s, Myrt and Clark made a motorcycle trip through the Black Hills. She lived in Florida for many years and spent an unusual amount of time on the water, even though she could not swim. She was quite adventurous! Myrtle loved family gatherings and get-togethers and loved her dogs with a passion.

Online condolences may be sent for her family through the web at