Myrna Loy Steinke Smith

Myrna Loy Steinke Smith

Cedar Rapids

Myrna Loy Steinke Smith was born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, August 18, 1950. Myrna lived life on her own terms, unapologetically. She faced death with bravery, grit and determination. On January 22, 2024, Myrna departed this life, to return to God and to rest at last, her body made whole again.

Of the ten children in her family,

Myrna was number eight. Her siblings Jim, Joe, Tom, Cathy and Lenny are left to mourn the loss of their sissy. Siblings Bob, Darlene and Billy, and parents, Arthur and Marvel Steinke, met Myrna at heaven’s gates. Myrna attended Tyler Elementary School, McKinley Junior High, and Washington High School.

At age 17, Myrna married Art Stephens and gave birth to daughter Dawn Marie. The trio lived briefly in Hawaii, which was the only place besides Cedar Rapids that Myrna ever lived! One and a half years later, daughter Angela Ranee was born. Myrna and Art divorced, opening the door for Myrna to meet the true

love of her life, Carter Smith. They were married December 31, 1973. Son Kristofor Alan arrived in 1976. Myrna adored being a wife and mother.

Myrna’s career was spent with the Cedar Rapids Community School District. Her first job was as a P.E. paraprofessional at Kennedy High School, earning $3.30 per hour in 1978. From 1979-1988 she was Principal’s Secretary at Hayes, Adams, Grant Wood and Erskine elementaries. From 1989-2001, Myrna worked as Confidential Secretary to many leaders at the Educational Service Center (ESC). In 2002, after a brief retirement, Myrna returned to the ESC as an Executive Assistant, serving in that capacity until 2005. Myrna was passionate and professional about her work. She was an invaluable resource to her colleagues. It was often said that Myrna RAN the district. The most important part of Myrna’s career was the lifelong friendships she made with nearly everyone she worked with, many of whom became like family for the rest of her life.

Outside of work, Myrna’s life with Carter was full of road trips, estate sales and auctions, thrift shopping, meals with friends, and spending time with family. Myrna LOVED Hawkeye football and watched almost

every Iowa game with her siblings. Myrna was addicted to shopping for antiques, and she was an excellent decorator. She had an eclectic style that turned her house into one of the most welcoming homes you could ever hope to visit. And she rearranged it constantly! After her retirement, Myrna met with friends every Friday to play cards. She was an avid reader. She attended her grandchildren’s concerts and sporting events. Myrna and Carter were always on the go, and always together.

Christmas was Myrna’s absolute favorite holiday, and it began the minute the Thanksgiving dishes were put away. Myrna and Carter’s home was the embodiment of Christmas spirit, being adorned top to bottom with the most beautiful trees, lights, and dancing toys. Every person who stepped through their door had an immersive Christmas experience! Each year, grandchildren Madeline, Lucy, Emma, Nina, George, Codie, Emily, Hunter and Kennedy watched in amazement as the gifts under the tree seemed to multiply every day before Christmas. The mountain of gifts under the tree truly represented Myrna’s combined loves of Christmas and giving. During the other eleven months of the year, Myrna’s decorations were permanently displayed in the most magical room in her home, the Santa Room.

Myrna was so many things to so many people. She was a hard worker. She was loyal beyond compare. She was the life of the party. She was hard-headed and stubborn, silly, helpful, a problem-solver, forgiving, generous, tough, hilarious, naughty, connected, organized, outspoken, intelligent, loving, resilient. She

was everyone’s favorite aunt. She was a pain in the rear. She was vibrant and feisty. She was a party-planner, a gatekeeper, a listener, a caregiver. She was the anchor for countless people. She loved her family with the entirety of her being. Myrna was the glue that held her family together. She did all of this as long as she physically could.

The last few years were challenging for Myrna as non-alcoholic cirrhosis of the liver progressed and worsened, alongside other ongoing health issues. Myrna had a sizable care team who cared as deeply for her as she did for them. At the Hall-Perrine Cancer Center, Myrna spent countless hours receiving iron infusions and blood transfusions, all in hopes of adding quality and time to her life. In usual Myrna fashion, she knew all of her nurses and techs by name, she knew their children and spouses personally, and she was even a guest in some of their homes. Myrna regularly provided snacks and treats for the staff who so lovingly cared for her. To all of Myrna’s caregivers, the family extends their deepest gratitude for the time they were given with Myrna because of the love and care you provided to her. You are all absolute angels on earth and she loved and appreciated each of you.

Yes, Myrna loved fiercely. If she loved you, she had high expectations for you. Sometimes it was hard to meet those expectations. When that happened, you got to see the very best part of Myrna – her loyalty. And when you saw the depth of her loyalty, you knew you were truly loved.

All activities will be held at Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, 1844 1st Ave NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. A visitation will be held Friday, January 26, 2024, from 3-7 p.m. A celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 10 a.m. A reception will immediately follow the service. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite Hawkeye gear.

Those unable to attend are invited to watch the service via livestream. Please find the livestream link on Myrna’s Tribute Wall and share your support and memories with her family at www.stewartbaxter.com under Obituaries.

Memorials may be made to the family, who will perform service projects once per month in Myrna’s honor. Support will be provided to: Tanager Place, Willis Dady Shelter, and Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House. Other organizations will be chosen based on Myrna’s passions.