With heavy yet hope-filled hearts we announce the passing of Myrtie Ruth Strickland Strickland after a brief illness. Myrtie was born on 3-3-33 in Sargent, Georgia to James Marion Strickland and Ethel (Blair) Strickland. She was a proud graduate of Hogansville High School. An only child, she often claimed her cousins (Dorothy and Thelma) as her sisters.
Myrtie left Hogansville after marrying the love of her life, Theodore Hubert Strickland, Jr. She and Ted had three children who filled their hearts and home with love, laughter, and shenanigans. They raised their family in the Atlanta area, finally settling in Forest Park in 1962, where Myrtie lived until her passing.
In addition to being a devoted wife and loving mother, Myrtie was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Over her 90 years of membership in the church she held many callings, some of her favorites include stake sports director and longtime choir director. She always had a song in her heart and convinced many others that they did too.
Myrtie worked for Macy's Department store as a buyer in the electronics department for many years. In her 50s, she decided to earn a college degree and graduated from Clayton Junior College in 1986. A smart, strong, intelligent business woman, she worked with Ted at Strickland Medical Supply until they retired in 1998.
She was surrounded by family and music – her two favorite things - as she returned to her heavenly home. Myrtie Ruth leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and a whole lotta family. She is survived by her daughters Lynn (Paul) Ralston of Forest Park, GA and Kay (Steve) Smith of Urbandale, IA, and her son Van Strickland of Sarasota, FL. Her grandkids Maurice (Kathryn) Ralston, Angela (Kerric) Jackson, Jason (Miran) Ralston, Jana Ruth (Ronnie) Hickman, Ben (Brandy) Ralston, Allison (Ura) Bryant, Amy (Donnie) Young, Holly Smith, and Brian Smith. She will also be missed by 25 great grandkids and 8 great-great grandkids.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Ted, and parents, James and Ethel Strickland.
Services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2100 Lake Jodeco Rd, Jonesboro, GA on Friday, Feb. 2, 2024 at 11 AM.
Interment to follow at Holly Hill Memorial Park, 359 SW Broad St, Fairburn, GA 30213.
The family will receive friends Thursday, February 1, 2024 from 5-8 PM at Ford-Stewart Funeral Home and also on Friday an hour prior to the service at the church.