Myrna Okerlund

Our loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Myrna Branch Okerlund, passed away on October 19, 2023, in Sun City, Arizona. Her family was at her side at the time of her passing.

Myrna was born in the family home on May 24, 1938, to Clarence (Ky) Branch and Velva Foy in Richfield, Utah, and was the 8th of 10 children. She grew up in Richfield and graduated from Richfield High School. Myrna talked about her childhood and chores they were assigned to do like churning butter and bringing the cow to and from the house twice a day to be milked.

She fondly remembered a family vacation to Illinois to visit the oldest son, Clair, and his family. Later in life, Myrna was excited that the sisters were able to take a two-week trip to Illinois where they visited Nauvoo, St. Louis, and their brother.

Myrna married Cassell P Okerlund, Jr. on October 3, 1957, in Richfield, Utah. They had 7 children. Russell (Jenny) Okerlund, Jeanette-deceased, Jerald (Kim-deceased) Okerlund, Philip (Karen) Okerlund, Marshall-deceased (JoDee) Okerlund, Mitchell (Lorri) Okerlund, and Jennifer-deceased (Wade) Fackrell.

Myrna has 23 grandchildren (Ky, Adam, Izzi, Nina, Clay, Ryan, Julia, Hannah, Colby, Kolby, Levi, Andrew, Sheena, Amanda, Larry, Steven, Carson, Cody, Sierra, T.J., Tailer, Casey, Lexi) and 47 great-grandchildren with one on the way.

Myrna was preceded in death by her parents, 2 brothers, 5 sisters, husband Cassell, daughters Jeanette and Jennifer, and son Marshall.

Myrna's love for sewing, crafting, baking, crocheting, and knitting items for family and close friends are just some of the beautiful memories that will be cherished by all. She made clothing for her family, especially western shirts with detailed embroidery. Myrna made sure that her children and grandchildren had handmade tricot sheets and pillowcases, quilts, and crocheted/knitted blankets.

As grandchildren and great-grandchildren arrived, beautiful handmade items were ready and waiting for them. One day Myrna learned to macrame and then magically everyone had custom-designed macrame lawn chairs. She began selling her handmade crafts at Swiss Days and the Dickens Festival and enjoyed dressing in period costumes and getting to know people from all over.

Myrna's family meant the world to her and her most valued time was spent with family. She loved to go camping, especially at Fish Lake and Maple Grove. She always looked forward to sitting around the campfire and visiting with her family, parents, siblings, and her many nieces and nephews.

After living in Utah for most of her life, a few years after Cassell passed away, she moved to Sun City, Arizona to be closer to her daughter and to escape the cold winters in Utah.

A viewing for friends and family will be held on Saturday, November 4, 2023, from Noon to 2 pm at McDougal Funeral Home, 4330 S Redwood Rd, Taylorsville, Utah. Myrna will be laid to rest beside Cassell at 2:30 pm at Valley View Memorial Park, 4335 W 4100 S, West Valley City, Utah.