Myrna Swain Bartlett adored her friends and family. She loved picnics. She cheered for the thoroughbreds in the Triple Crown races. She had an affinity for cherry jam and See's Candy. Her walker was stocked with a map so she could refer to it as needs arose.

Myrna was gently summoned to her heavenly home on September 2, 2022, at age 105. She was born in Guthrie Center, Iowa, on June 20, 1917, the second of three children born to Harry A. and Emma Stoy Swain. When she was four years old, her mother died, so her grandmother Jennie Swain moved into their home to help care for all three children.

Myrna attended the Guthrie Center schools and was active in vocal music. She joined the Girl Scouts, Rainbow Girls, and Presbyterian youth group, and became a piano student. She graduated in 1934 at age 16 with a certificate to teach rural school. One had to be 18 to teach, so she worked with her uncle at the Guthrie Center Times newspaper while returning to school to learn typing and bookkeeping.

On June 20, 1937, Myrna and Frank Norris Bartlett, Jr. (Norris), were married. They made their home in Guthrie Center until 1943, when Norris was drafted and shipped to the European front for the Normandy invasion. During WWII, Myrna lived with her sister Mary in San Diego, California, working as a bookkeeper for the Dorhmann Hotel and Restaurant Supply Company. When Norris returned from Europe, the couple went back to Guthrie Center, where Myrna assisted dentist R.C. Griffith for two years.

On April 11, 1948, daughter Jan Elizabeth was born. Myrna's career came full circle as she returned to the newspaper in 1952 as society editor for a total of 40 years.

Myrna was a 60-year member of Eastern Star and the First Presbyterian Church, sitting on the Guthrie Center association of churches board. She belonged to the Garden Club, Woman's Club, and several bridge groups.

In June 2000, Myrna relocated to Ames, Iowa, to be near her daughter and family, continuing to serve in Eastern Star, Past Matrons Club, Collegiate Presbyterian Church, two bridge clubs, and as pianist at the Heartland Senior Center.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, older brother Ted Swain, and sister Mary Swain Gilman. Survivors include her daughter Jan Heuss (Don), granddaughters Kori Heuss and Krisha Heuss-Blackburn (Christian) and great-granddaughters Emery, Aliza and Jolie Blackburn.

Visitation will take place at Grandon Funeral & Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames, IA from 4 - 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 29, 2022, followed immediately by the service celebrating her life. Interment will take place in Union Cemetery, Guthrie Center, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.

Myrna held the philosophy: it's more important to count your blessings than your age. She was a spunky lady with a strong faith, who kept her twinkle Christmas lights shining all year. She lived a long, full life and will be greatly missed.

Online Condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com