Myrtice CoeLAURA - Myrtice Evelyn (Hayward) Coe, 102 years, 9 months and 8 days, peacefully passed away on Monday, December 12, 2016, at her home near Laura, Illinois.She was born on March 4, 1914, to Irene M. (Roehm) and Clyde T. Hayward in Ontonagon, Michigan, on the shores of Lake Superior.She is survived by three children, Hayward (Juan) Coe of Orlando, Florida, Royce H. Coe of Laura, Illinois, and Harriett H. Coe of Lupton, Michigan; one granddaughter, Margaret (Walter) Braun of Arlington, Texas; and three great-grandchildren, Danny Braun of Honolulu, HI, Isaac Braun of Normal, IL, and Marie Braun of Arlington, TX. She is also survived by one sister-in-law, Helen Hayward of Westfir, Oregon; ten nieces, Irene Amos, Cora Voss, Kathy Capone, Susan Richardson, Shirley Bottoms, Marcia Leaming, Lynette Hannah, Janie Hild, Joan Coe Davis and Barbara LeBrush; and five nephews, Lowell Coe, David Kalivoda, Macy Hayward, Bill Roehm and Galen Hayward.She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Howard N. Coe; one sister, Helen Kalivoda; one brother, Clyde (Bud) Hayward; one brother (cousin), Rodney P. Roehm; and one niece, Nancy Holmes.Myrtice was the oldest of Edward Roehm's 33 grandchildren, of which 11 cousins survive. Prior to her death, Myrtice was the oldest living graduate of Ontonagon High School, Class of 1931. After high school, she graduated from County Normal and studied one year at Northern Michigan in Marquette, where she earned her teaching certificate. She substitute taught for one year. In 1934, Myrtice attended the Century of Progress Chicago World's Fair for one week by herself with her hard-earned teaching money. She moved to Rock Island to work as a director for the Frederick B. Ingram Home Talent Co. in 1935. It was through this venue that she met her husband and love of her life, Howard N. Coe of Laura, when she directed the play "Here Comes the Showboat" in Princeville. Howard played the main comedic character in the play. They were married at the Grace Methodist Church parsonage in Dubuque, Iowa, on March 4, 1939. They were married for 54 years until Howard's passing in 1993. In 1940, Myrtice moved to the Coe family farm near Laura, where she resided for 76 years. She was involved in many community events. She was a member of the General Federation of Women's Club and Home Culture Club of Williamsfield for 76 years, holding every office in the club. She was a member of the Laura United Methodist Church, Laura Methodist Women's Society, the French Grove Improvement Society, the French Grove Cemetery Association and Williamsfield Schools PTA and a longtime member of the Peoria County Farm Bureau. Myrtice was a correspondent for the Williamsfield Times for over 50 years and also had articles published in the Galesburg Register Mail, Peoria Journal Star and Grit. Many fondly remember her columns in the Times, "Notes from Myrtice," Out of the Past, Guess Who, and the Personals. Myrtice was instrumental in getting the first library in Williamsfield, working to create a band stand in the town park, working to get a bond measure approved to start the first junior college in Knox County, and many other community projects. She was a Brownie Scout leader for 2 years, Sugar 'n' Spice 4-H leader for 11 years and a classroom aide at Williamsfield Schools for over 20 years. Myrtice loved to travel. With her husband, she went throughout the United States, visiting historical sites and relatives. She made two trips to Europe and, in 2005, visited her granddaughter and family in Hawaii. She was an avid reader all her life. When she was diagnosed with macular degeneraton, she became a loyal fan of the Illinois State Library Talking Book Service. In 10 years, she read/listened to over 3000 books and was awarded a "stellar reader" award. Myrtice will be remembered for her kindness and caring, a delightful sense of humor, and her sharp mind. She had a vast knowledge of history in her local community, which she loved to share with others. She never stopped learning, watching the national news nightly and Jeopardy. She loved to play Farkle with her friends and family. She was the oldest living resident of Millbrook Township. She had a positive, can-do attitude. After her husband passed away, Myrtice took a Driver's Education course and earned her first driving license at the age of 80. She renewed her license for 10 years. At the age of 98, Myrtice had her left leg amputated above the knee, due to poor circulation. After recovering from the surgery, she learned to walk with a prosthetic leg. She was the hit of her family reunion when she walked for her talent at the talent show at the age of 99. Myrtice loved her family, her friends and her community. She worked very hard to get all the news of every organization reported and received many accolades for her writings. Among her lifelong dreams were to live to see the Cubs win the World Series and to vote for the first female candidate, Hillary Clinton, for President of the United States. She proudly attained both of these. Visitation will be from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 17, 2016, at Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood, Illinois. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 18, 2016, at the Laura United Methodist Church in Laura, followed by interment at French Grove Cemetery.Memorial contributions may be made to the Laura United Methodist Church and/or Home Culture Club for the Myrtice Coe Reading Project Memorial.To leave online condolences, please oakshinesfuneralhome.com.Oaks-Hines Funeral Home in Elmwood is in charge of arrangements.