Myrna Louise Strafford

Myrna Louise (Kucera) Strafford

May 18, 1926-October 17, 2021

On Sunday, October 17 we began to contemplate the world without Myrna Strafford. She was a beloved and respected

daughter, sister, wife, aunt, mother, grandmother, teacher, mentor, neighbor, landlord, devoted dog-lover and friend. In her 95 years, she brought kindness, enthusiasm, intelligence and a quick wit to all around her. She was a daughter of Christ who was treasured and will be greatly missed. Heaven and eager family have welcomed her with open arms.

Myrna Louise (Kucera) Strafford, 95, of Moline, IL, passed away peacefully at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf, IA.

Myrna was born in Havelock, Nebraska on May 18, 1926. She was the youngest child of Michael and Stella (Howell) Kucera. The family settled in Galena, IL where Myrna graduated from Galena High School in 1944. The family then moved to Moline. Myrna worked for The New York Store and Deere and Co. She attended Augustana College, earning an Elementary Education degree in 1948. Myrna later went on to receive her Master’s Degree in Education from Marycrest College in 1976. Over her career, she taught 1st, 5th and mostly 2nd grade at Garfield School and Blackhawk School in Moline. Myrna loved teaching children to read and building their self-esteem. She retired after 29 years in 1986.

On March 25, 1951 Myrna married her husband and partner in all things, Robert Verne Strafford. Over Myrna and Bob’s 45-year run they set a wonderful example of how to be good spouses, good parents and good people. They showed their children how to work hard, love music and laugh often! Together with raising three children, they started and grew a business, rehabbed rental properties, bought and sold antiques, camped and traveled. They didn’t just garden, they farmed and later purchased the small farm by the Rock River where Bob grew up. Another garden and raspberry patch behind their home kept them weeding. They boated and fished; Myrna always caught the big one! Everyone was made to feel at home when entertained at their river cabin or home. Myrna and Bob were known for their welcoming hospitality at holidays and celebrations. They belonged to a Gourmet Group and volunteered for the Rock Island County Conservation Club. After Bob passed, Myrna continued to spoil her grandkids, travel with family and friends, garden, and gamble. Many a happy memory was made cruising and going on adventures with her children and grandchildren.

Myrna was a member of Kappa Tau sorority, First United Methodist Church now Riverside United Methodist Church,

Church Circle and King’s Daughters. She loved to pinch a penny, buy stock and watch it grow. She was a charter member of the Women’s Investment Growth Group (WIGG). Myrna had a lifelong passion for antiques. She participated in Quester’s and dabbled in antique appraisal. Myrna regularly played poker with her beloved Retired Teachers and Friends Poker Group. Myrna was a life-long learner and a voracious reader. She always found a way to give back. Her happy demeanor and up-for-anything attitude were contagious. She loved widely and took many souls under her wing along the way.

In recent times, Myrna could be found on a Saturday morning bringing donut holes and a helpful smile to The Wardrobe Clothing Ministry in Moline.

Survivors include children, Lisa (Mike) Fisher of Orion, IL, David (Cathy) Strafford of Moline, Julie (Pete) Greiner of Casper, WY; grandchildren, Harrison (Brittany) Strafford, Jake Strafford, Izzi Rash and Elana Greiner; great- granddaughter, Lylah Strafford; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Strafford, Dorma Strafford; nieces and nephews, Sharon Scott-Coulston, Martha (Matt) McLaren, Gina (Azfar) Ahmed, Robert (Nancy) Kucera, Mark Scott, and Steve Strafford. Myrna was preceded in death by her husband, Robert; a son, Stephen; sister, Ardath Scott; brother, Glenn (Katy) Kucera.

At Myrna’s request, her body was donated for the advancement of science to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, November 1, 2021, at 11 AM, at Riverside United Methodist Church in Moline with a visitation one hour prior to the service beginning at 10 AM.

The family would like to thank the staff at Clarissa C. Cook for their kindness and excellent care.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Moline Public Library or Riverside United Methodist Church.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and express online condolences at www.wendtfuneralhome.com.