Myrtle Isabel Santsche

MYRTLE ISABEL (HUMBERSTONE) SANTSCHE January 6, 1919 - September 16, 2012 Myrtle Isabel (Humberstone) Santsche found final peace at the age of 93 on Sunday, September 16, 2012 in Roseburg, Oregon where she lived for seven years. She was the last surviving child of her family. Preceding her in death were her parents, three brothers, one sister, and her husband of 66 years, Herman Konrad Santsche. Her children and their spouses survive her: son, John Edward Santsche of Los Angeles, California; daughter, Carol Christine Cole (Dennis) of West Richland, Washington; and daughter, Sandra Kay Allen (Steve) of Roseburg, Oregon. Myrtle is also survived by four grandchildren and their spouses: Heather Lynn Cole Bain (Scott), Kevin James Allen (Janenne), Brian Douglas Cole (Jill), and Kristopher Edward Allen. She was blessed with five great-grandchildren: Cole Matthew Bain, Kate Elizabeth Bain, Douglas Byron Cole, Claire Elizabeth Allen and Bailey Kayden Allen. Myrtle was born January 6, 1919 to Edgar John Humberstone of Wrestlingworth, England and Isabella Cowan of Dumfries, Scotland. Her parents met while serving the Duke of Northumberland at Alnwich Castle in England. Myrtle's father immigrated to Canada in 1907 and her mother soon followed. They were married in 1910 in Winnipeg, Canada, where Myrtle was later born. Her father worked as a chauffeur to Mayor Ashdown in Winnipeg and later opened his own car repair shop. He sold his business in 1923 and took the family to Los Angeles, California, traveling by train through Minnesota. The family's first home in the United States was in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles. Myrtle was four years old when she moved to the Los Angeles area. She attended Montebello High School in California. Myrtle lost her mother at a young age. Isabella died September 14, 1940 of stomach cancer at the age of 62. Myrtle was 21 years old. Following her high school graduation, Myrtle went to work at Sears and Roebuck until she met her future husband, Herman Konrad Santsche, who was living with her brother Arthur at the time. Myrtle became a United States citizen on August 27, 1943, at the age of 24, approximately one week after her father did the same. One week later, she got married on September 4, 1943, in Los Angeles, California at Wilshire Wedding Chapel. On April 21, 1945, Myrtle's first child, John Edward, was born. While living in an apartment, their first home was being built by Herman in Monterey Park, California. An especially sad time for Myrtle was when her second child, Janet Louise died two days after her June 10, 1947 birth. She was soon to have another daughter, born October 8, 1948, named Carol Christine. The family eventually moved to Whittier, CA, where they stayed until Herman's retirement. Daughter Sandra Kay completed the family on July 28, 1952. Sandra shared her birthday with her father. Myrtle and Herman spent their retirement years in a home built by Herman on their property in McArthur, California. Myrtle's family remembers her as an excellent cook who always served well-balanced meals, topped off with a delicious dessert. Her pies were always the biggest hit and Sunday dinners often included company. She was a gracious hostess. She enjoyed playing bridge with her lady friends and was always a winner' when it came to games. Her mind was sharp and she was excellent with numbers. She also enjoyed knitting and crocheting and was very good at it. Although she did not work outside the home except for a part time job during the children's high school years, she took her job of wife and mother very seriously, and did an outstanding job. She took excellent care of her family and was always there when her children got home from school. She kept the household on a schedule with early bedtimes for the children. It would not be surprising to find her playing a game of "jacks" on the kitchen floor with the girls. She took in ironing and typed envelopes at home to bring in a little extra money. Myrtle was a hard worker and always had a smile on her face. She was trustworthy and it is doubtful that she ever told a lie. She taught her children many things. She taught them to be kind, honest, and faithful. Her philosophy was that "money is the root of all evil". Although her family lived modestly, they never went without the things they needed: love, food and shelter. It is because of her influence that her children went on to lead lives of which she was proud.