Obituary of Myrna Marie Cutler

Myrna was born on March 2, 1940 in Tacoma, Washington and passed away peacefully surrounded by loving family on March 12, 2008 at Franciscan Hospice House. She is survived by her loving husband and best friend of 48 years, Paul I. Cutler, Jr.: sister Marcia (Hersey), sister-in-law and husband (Sharon and Ray George), sister-in-law (Sheila Diane Thoms), daughter and husband (Kimberly and Martin Gorman), son and wife (Lance and Sharon), grandchildren (Krystian, Charles, Cameron and Nathan), great-grandchild (Dameon) as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Myrna was born to Donovan and Rose Marie Raudebaugh. She grew up in Fircrest with her sister Marcia (Hersey) on acreage adjoining the Fircrest Golf Course. In early 1952, she met her husband, Paul, and they dated until their marriage on June 26, 1959 at the Methodist Church in Fircrest. Paul was in the Army at that time and they moved to Fort Huachuca, Arizona. Shortly after moving back to Fircrest in November of 1960, Myrna had their first child, Kimberly Ann (Gorman). Lance Bryan, their son, was born in June of 1962. Myrna became a devoted stay-at-home mother. Myrna loved camping and boating, spending nearly every weekend and much of the summer fishing and enjoying nature with her family. This love of nature carried over to all areas of her life. She thoroughly enjoyed animals, raising dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and fish. Her interest in native plants led her to become a Lead Docent at Point Defiance Park. She spent many summers tending her dahlia garden and filling her roadside stand in Fircrest with these fresh flowers. She had a talent for flower arranging, supplying her creations to local florists and winning numerous awards in dahlia competitions. She also developed an interest in crafts, knitting for family, friends, and Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital. Myrna went to work when Kimberly was a senior and Lance a junior in high school. She worked at Weyerhaeuser’s Tacoma office in Accounts Payable. Once retired, Myrna enjoyed the snowbird life, spending her winters in Desert Hot Springs, California with side trips to Peoria, Arizona to watch the Mariners at spring training. An avid sports fan, she seldom missed a Mariners or Seahawks game. She had season tickets to the Stars Soccer games, and followed her grandsons’ activities on the courts and fields. Playing the flute at an early age, Myrna became an accomplished flutist, performing with Jason Lee and Stadium High Schools bands and orchestras. She later played with Rafael Mendez when he toured the area. During the last ten years, she was part of her church orchestra and the All Valley Orchestra in the Palm Springs area. Recently, Myrna and Paul moved to their new home at Point Defiance Village. She found the people there warm and supportive and quickly became part of their community. Myrna was a ray of sunshine that brightened the lives of those around her. Her talents, positive attitude and love made the world a better place and she will be greatly missed. Our gratitude goes to the staff, nurses and chaplains at Franciscan Hospice House for the devoted care and kindness they provided to both Myrna and our family. Myrna will be interred at Tahoma National Cemetery in Covington, WA in a private family ceremony. Donations may be made in Myrna’s memory to the American Cancer Society or Franciscan Hospice House. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial Center 253-566-1008