Maida L. Myers
August 27, 1915 - November 19, 2011
Obituary
Maida was born Maida L. Schuoler on August 27, 1915, in St. John, Washington. Her parents were Albert and Esther Nickerson Schuoler. She had three older brothers, Ed, John D and Ray, a younger sister Esther and a younger brother, Lyle.
Maida studied French in high school in Outlook. In addition to her studies, she played basketball for her high school. She liked telling about her basketball career because even though she wasn’t the tallest, because she was a forward she was the only player allowed to shoot. She also enjoyed swimming and bowling; she was in two bowling leagues.
Shortly after graduating, she married Isaac Myers on June 22, 1933. Following their marriage, they lived in several places in Eastern Washington, and had four children, Lola, Gary, and Phillip; Gweneth Jo died as a baby. In the early 40’s, they moved to Seattle, where Susan was born, and Grandma lived on 15th in Highland Park. Some of the family moved in over the years and lived with Grandma, which Grandma enjoyed. Granny also lived with Grandpa and Grandma during her last years.
Grandma Maida worshipped God with the congregation at Highland Park United Methodist Church and was involved in Bible Study Fellowship as a Children’s Leader responsible for the two-year-olds. She loved taking care of children. She would make treats for the Vacation Bible School at her church and was a favorite of the children in the neighborhood.
All of the children contributed grandchildren and then there were great-grandchildren. Grandma loved all of the little children. She especially loved holding babies and singing them to sleep. No matter how the grandchildren acted, Grandma gave the same report: they were wonderfully well-behaved.
One of the wonderful things about Grandpa and Grandma was that they always seemed to be home so that the family could stop by for a visit or for dinner. We used to get together each month for birthdays and then we always looked forward to holidays. Grandma enjoyed you visiting and appreciated family and guest alike. When someone accidentally broke or ruined something, she was quick to assure you that the thing didn’t matter as much as you mattered. She was concerned that no one was left out. One Christmas Eve when a boy from the neighborhood was visiting, Grandma Maida changed the name on a gift so that he would have a present to open; years later Grandpa and Grandma drove that same boy to Eastern Washington to report for his military duty.
Grandma traveled the country with Grandpa Isaac when he travelled for his work with the blind. They traveled to Hawaii and to Mexico. She enjoyed fishing, clamming and camping trips. In later years, she joined Grandpa for the afternoon fish and nearly always caught her limit. Grandma enjoyed playing bridge and pinochle, working crossword puzzles, sewing, crocheting, cooking, baking, and canning. She was a prolific reader of inspirational fiction. She once received a one year Bible for her birthday; by her next birthday she had read the whole thing. She was famous for her family recipes of poor man’s pot pie (it didn’t have any meat because of the man’s poverty), scrapple (the only meal you didn’t invite any other members of the family to join you when you found out that Grandma had cooked it because you didn’t want to have to share it), cottage pudding, and potato salad. It is fun to enjoy one of those recipes today and remember Grandma.
In 1983, Grandpa and Grandma celebrated 50 years of marriage. All of the family got together to make individual embroidered squares for a quilt top, which then proved to be too large and morphed into a tablecloth. Grandma enjoyed sharing it with those interested in seeing it. Grandpa and Grandma celebrated 11 more anniversaries together before Grandpa died in early 1995.
Grandma continued to enjoy family after Grandpa’s death. She went out to eat more often. She traveled with family. She was able to stay in her home for many years with the help of family, including live-in grandchildren, which she enjoyed. She lived for a time with Uncle Gary and Aunt Gail and then lived at Merrill Gardens in West Seattle’s Admiral neighborhood.
Grandma survived her parents and was the last of her siblings. When asked for the reason for her longevity, Grandma Maida was not really comfortable giving any answers. We can answer with confidence that it was her love for people, her willingness to think the best of others, and her kindness. She embodied kindness to all that came her way, including her husband and family. Her incredible kindness didn’t stop at her family, or her friends and neighbors, or even the stranger at the grocery store or church. She had enough for everyone and everything. Once when watching a public television special about the life of wild horses, a research team was filming a young colt that was lost and starving. Grandma was drawn into the show and in her compassion for the colt, with sorrow and disappointment on her face, she repeatedly exclaimed “My dear… why on earth won’t they help that poor thing?” At the time her reaction may have seemed naive. However, in her kindness she could not countenance suffering in others. Her kindness was driven by her concern for those in need.
An excellent wife who can find? She is far more precious than jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good, and not harm, all the days of her life. She seeks wool and flax, and works with willing hands. She is like the ships of the merchant; she brings her food from afar. She rises while it is yet night and provides food for her household and portions for her maidens. She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. She dresses herself with strength and makes her arms strong. She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She puts her hands to the distaff, and her hands hold the spindle. She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple. Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant. Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.” Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.
Maida died November 19, 2011, at the age of 96. Absent from the body, she experienced the immediate indescribable joy of being in the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She is survived by her four children, her ten grandchildren, her almost 19 great-grandchildren, her six great-great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces and their families. We all loved her very much and will miss her.
Grandma Maida you are so missed. When I was growing up and thinking of doing something wrong or unkind the thought of you would make me stop. Your kindness and goodness will continue to be an inspiration to how I want to live my life. I love you
She was the sweetest lady i knew. I dont think anyone can think of one bad action she has done in her long life time!
Grandma’s Bowling Photo Seattle, WA