Myrtle Rosemary Baney

Published 8:54 am Thursday, April 26, 2018

June 28, 1934 – April 19, 2018

Myrtle R. Baney, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and best friend, passed away in her ranch home on Thursday, April 19.

Myrtie was born in Pendleton on June 28, 1934. She grew-up in Pendleton with her mother, father and sister, where she graduated from high school in 1952. Following high school, she attended Good Samaritan School of Nursing, receiving her registered nurse certificate. Shortly after nursing school, she met her beloved husband, Curt, on a trip between Pendleton and Portland. Curt and Myrtie married in 1956 and had four beautiful children, Kim, Kelsey, Curt and Kevin. 1956 also marked the beginning of Curt and Myrtie’s hospitality career when they bought the historic Geiser Grand Hotel in Baker. Later, they built and operated the Maverick and Cimarron Motels in Klamath Falls. Several years later, their business aspirations took them to Bend, where they built and managed a second pair of Maverick and Cimarron motels.

Myrtie and her family moved to Central Oregon in 1972, where she and her family began breeding and raising quarter horses. Myrtie was instrumental in the care and registration for over forty horses at a time. The family also participated in the American Quarter Horse Show Association circuit for several years. Horse showing became a passion for the entire family as Myrtie’s children went on to win state and national championships.

In the years following, Myrtie’s family began to expand with the births of her grandchildren. Myrtie was the cornerstone to her growing family, involved in the upbringing, daily lives and activities of each of her grandkids. She never missed an activity or sporting event in which one of her grandchildren participated. Her passion for family was apparent in the plentiful dinners, birthdays, barbecues and holidays she orchestrated.

As an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Bend, Myrtie volunteered in various programs and sang in the folk choir for many years. She loved the community her church congregation provided and also participated as a volunteer in many of the youth programs.

Myrtie is survived by her sister, Penny; and three children, Kim, Curt and Kelsey. Seven grandchildren also survive her, Ali, Cale, Curtis, Forrest, Hayden, Katia and Addy. She was proceeded in death by her father, mother, husband and beloved son, Kevin. A private graveside service was held at Pilot Butte Cemetery. A Celebration of Life service was held on Wednesday, April 25 at the First Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Bend(www.bendfp.org).

The Baney family would also like to especially thank Visiting Angels for the exceptional and genuine care they provided Myrtie in the final years of her life. Arrangements have been entrusted to Niswonger-Reynolds Funeral Home, Bend.