Myrtle Watterberg

Myrtle (Goldman) Watterberg passed into the presence of Jesus Christ her Savior in Ocean Park on July 30th after a long fulfilling life. She was born September 3, 1931 in Saco MT to James and Myrtle (McFarland) Goldman. Her mother died when little Myrtle was 3 months old, and her father passed away when she was 6. She was entrusted to Nels & Edith Holmberg, foster parents, who treated her as their own, taught her about Jesus and gave her a great childhood in Brush Prairie, WA.

At 18, Myrtle graduated from Battle Ground High School and two days later married her life-long love, Russell Watterberg. They soon started a family and in 1952 moved to Ilwaco where they worked to establish Seaview Baptist Church (currently Ocean Beach Christian Fellowship). Myrtle taught Sunday School, was a choir member, did women’s ministries, church nursery and so much more.

In 1959 the family moved to the newly organized Lily Dell Dunes – now known as Dunes Bible Camp, where along with family and church roles, Myrtle eventually became camp cook, feeding thousands of campers and being camp “mom” and “grandma” to many for over 50 years.

Myrtle loved her family- Tim (Han), Steve (Liz), Linda (Steve) Holmes and Beth (Will) Sexton, her 13 grandchildren, 27 great-grands and the many that claimed her as “grandma”.

Preceding her in death were her parents, foster parents, brothers Jim and Paul Goldman, sister Jesse McDonald, and her husband Russell.

The family wishes to express their profound appreciation to Coastal Care Adult Family Home in Klipsan for the wonderful love and care shown to Myrtle and her family these last 18 months.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of Myrtle’s life on Saturday, September 23 at 2:00 PM at Dunes Bible Camp dining hall.