Myrtle Louise Kary

Ilwaco resident Myrtle Louise Kary, 85, died in Ilwaco on April 30, 2015. The daughter of Robert and Stella Tillbrook, she was born in Burns, Oregon on January 30, 1930. Following a childhood in Burns she moved with her family to Vancouver, Washington. There she graduated from Ogden Meadows High School in 1948, the same year as the infamous Vanport Flood on the Columbia River. Following high school Mert moved to the Peninsula where she was a waitress at her parents restaurant, The Steak House, located in Long Beach. It was there that she met Edward "Bud" Kary. They were married June 19, 1952 in Ilwaco where Mert resided the remainder of her life. Mert was a wife, mother and homemaker. She was employed at Milton York Candies in Long Beach and later at The Sanctuary Restaurant in Chinook. A member of Chinook Lutheran Church, Mert also had in past years volunteered as a Junior Loyalty Day Parade judge and was a long time member of the Ilwaco Planning Commission. Mert loved to work in her yard and for many years was an avid bowler in local leagues. Bear River held a special place in her life and it was there that she enjoyed many picnics and outings with family and friends, driving the back hills and seeing the wildlife. Mert was a fan of country western music and very, very dedicated to her family. Mert is survived by her daughters Trudy Whittle of Vancouver, WA and Melinda Kary of Castle Rock, WA; son Steve Kary of Ilwaco; brother Bob Tillbrook of Brush Prairie, WA; sisters Lois Farley of Portland, OR and Aileen Porter of Brush Prairie, WA; grandchildren Josh O'Neil, Heather (Aaron) Varila, Peter Borches and Alica (Pete) Meyers; great-grandchildren Ashlyn, Emily sand Hunter Meyers; Rylee Varila; Bailey and Ava Borchers. Numerous nieces and nephews and other members of her extended family also survive. She was preceded in death by her husband Bud Kary, son Tim Kary, and sister Barbara Connor. A joint celebration of her life and that of her son Tim will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2015, 1 until 3 PM at the Chinook School Gym with a reception following. Private family graveside rites will be held at Ilwaco Cemetery. Her guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.