Myrtle B. Kjonaas , 88, Minot, died Thursday, November 29, 2012, in her home.

Myrtle was born April 11, 1924 near Souris, ND to Iver and Berdine (Walland) Gravseth. She grew up in Scandia Township and was educated in country schools until graduating with the class of 1941 from Souris High School. She completed her education at Minot State Teacher's College earning her standard teaching certificate.

Myrtle taught school for three years in Bottineau and McHenry County. She was joined in marriage to Kermit Kjonaas on June 18, 1944. They made their homestead in Chatfield Township, near Glenburn, farming together, for 54 years until moving to Minot in 1998.

She was a member of Hope Lutheran Church, formerly known as Our Savior\'s Lutheran Church of Glenburn, where she held various offices within the women\'s organizations of the church. She also held memberships in the Magic Square Dance and Round Dance Clubs. Myrtle was a charter member of the Busy Fingers Homemaker's Club and a 4-H leader for ten years. She became a member of Christ Lutheran Church after their move to Minot.

Myrtle enjoyed quilting, hardanger embroidery and other handiwork. She and Kermit traveled to all 50 states and their most memorable trip was to Norway in 1982, when they visited relatives from both sides of their respective families.

They became residents of the Wellington Assisted Living in 2006. Kermit passed away on September 26, 2007. She had a vibrant quality of life marked by a community of friends, both residents and staff, and she also enthusiastically engaged in as many activities as possible.

Myrtle's loving family includes: her children, Curtis (Pam) Kjonaas, Kindred, ND, Donna (Murray Smith) Kjonaas, Fargo, Merle (Eileen) Kjonaas, Iowa City, Iowa, and Bette (Hal) Tarvestad, Lansford, ND; five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and a wide circle of extended family.

Myrtle was preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter, Billie Jean Kjonaas, brothers and sisters-in-law, Harold & Helen Gravseth, Reuben & Martha Gravseth, Ernest & Margie Gravseth, sister and brother-in-law, Adeline & Henry Erickson and sister-in-law, Crystal Kjonaas.

Funeral Service : Monday, December 3, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. in Christ Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Sunset Memorial Gardens, Minot.
Visitation : Sunday from noon until 5:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Trinity Hospice.