Myra Ellen (Gilman) Ecklund passed away at the age of 87 on May 18, 2023 with her husband of 60 years, Ernest ‘Carl’ Ecklund, and all of her children by her side. Myra was born in Kellogg on March 10, 1936 to Al & Alice (Barnett) Gilman. She grew up in Pinehurst, Idaho and attended Kingston High School. She earned her teaching degree from N.I.C. and later her BA from EWU. Her teaching career spanned 44 years, including positions in Pinehurst, Republic and Valley, Washington. She was thrilled whenever any of her 1000+ former students told her she was their favorite teacher.

Myra married Carl on September 21, 1963 in Pinehurst and had three children between 1964 and 1968. They moved to Chewelah, Washington for teaching jobs in 1970 and spent the next 30 years happily raising their kids and hosting neighborhood and family events. The highlight of every summer was camping with friends & family at Priest Lake. Myra loved vacations with the grandkids and road trips with Carl.

They retired to Medimont, Idaho in 2000. Myra was an active member of the River of Life church, Kingston Kids, Worthwhile Women’s Club, Good Sam’s, and more. She enjoyed boating, biking, card making, reading, painting, and writing stories about her grandkids.

Family, friends, and faith in God meant everything to Myra. She was her children and grandchildren’s most faithful cheerleader. In her later years she’d often be seen at family gatherings just watching and listening with a smile on her face. Her peaceful presence will be greatly missed.

Myra is survived by her husband, Carl; son, Tim & wife Cindy Stroyan (Spokane); daughter, Keri (Chewelah); son, Eric (Medimont); brother, Wally Gilman (Yakima); six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

A memorial service and reception will be held at 3:00PM, Saturday, May 27, 2023 at Yates Funeral Home – Hayden Chapel (373 E. Hayden Ave. Hayden, Idaho 83835).