Myra Otey

Myra Otey, a beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, was born on November 13, 1958, in Oblong, IL. She entered into the loving arms of Jesus on July 19, 2023, passing peacefully away at her daughter's home in rural Robinson, IL.

Myra's early life was spent in the West York area, where she grew up. As a young woman, she showed great physical aptitude, breaking records in track and field and playing basketball at Marshall High School, where she would eventually graduate. Myra got married soon after graduation and dedicated herself to nurturing and raising her three beautiful daughters. Once her girls were old enough to attend school, Myra started working as a custodian at New Hebron Christian School, and her custodial work extended to cleaning local churches. Over the years, she also engaged in factory work for local businesses like Lexel. Her last place of employment was as a cashier at IGA in Robinson.

Myra was an industrious and adventurous woman whose interests outside of work varied widely. When her children were growing up, they often went on biking and hiking adventures together. This should come as no surprise, as the woman was an ardent fitness advocate who enjoyed everything from weight lifting to daily walks. Health and wellness were principles she held dear, but these paled in comparison to her walk with God. After all, Myra was a woman of faith whose unwavering determination was rivaled only by her steadfast belief in the power of the Word. She would often recite passages of scripture and taught her daughters the importance of following Jesus by example. On the outside, she proved herself to be an avid worshipper, and on the inside, this prayer warrior refused to stop interceding for others. In short, her life bore the fruit of the Spirit.

By all accounts, her own spirit was indomitable, bold, and fiercely loving. She had a gift for delivering advice, blessing everyone around her with wisdom (whether solicited or not!) She wore her optimistic outlook on life like a badge of honor, and her unwavering faith was deeply etched in her heart and in the very way she lived her life. It's a life that, by the grace of God, will never end. Until we meet again, we will forever cherish our sweet memories of Myra Otey.

She married Garry Otey on October 13, 2005, and their bond remained unbroken until her last breath. Myra was also a doting mother & mother-in-law to her daughters & their spouses, Marcia & Allen Wallace, Melissa & Scott Johnston, and Michelle Matheney. Her love extended to her grandson, Dominic Johnston; to her step-children, Garry Otey Jr., Alaric "Al" Otey (and his kids, Barrett Otey and Jacob Otey), David & Stephanie Otey (and their kid, Amari Otey), and Steven & Amber Otey (and their kids, Alex Otey, Thomas Otey, and Dakota Otey); and to her siblings & their spouses, Martha Molinet, Mark & Judy York, Everett Tom & Cathy York, Eddie & Shirley York, Virgil York, Eric & Missy York, and Randy York. Numerous beloved nieces and nephews also survive her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Everett & Edith Mae (Bridgewater) York.

A private family memorial service will be held at a later date, and the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson is in charge of these arrangements.