Myrtice Etta Walter passed away in Sedro-Woolley on April 29, 2010. She fought the good fight waiting for her granddaughter Michelle, who had rushed from her work to be by her side one last time. As Michelle said, “I love you grandma,” Myrtice opened her eyes wide, tried to smile and went to Jesus’ sweet home in heaven.
She was born on October 30, 1925 in a farmhouse in Commerce, Georgia to Floyd and Blanche Smith. Myrtice was the Valedictorian of her 1943 Commerce Georgia high school class. She enrolled in her future sister-in-law’s beauty school were she became a skilled hair stylist.
She moved to Southern California to pursue her hairstyling career. The King and Queen of Thailand came to Los Angeles on an official visit and Myrtice was chosen, with a lot of fan fare, to be the Queen’s hair stylist.
Myrtice, a wonderful and loving person to all her knew her, was also every bit a true southern bell. She could have given “Gone with the Wind’s,” Scarlett O’Hara a run for her money. She married Clyde Cannon, after promising him she would in a letter during World War ll. Her first son, Michael soon followed. Her next adventure landed her a handsome paratrooper named Ralph Terry and her second son Patrick Terry. Ralph died in a construction accident in 1950.
In 1957 she met Mel Walter, the love of her life. They raised her two sons and helped with Mel’s six children from a previous marriage. Myrtice and Mel had a very full life for forty years. They both worked hard and were able to travel the world. They lived many years in San Clemente, CA and owned a restaurant for several years. Loving Lake Havasu, they decided to retire and enjoy the warm climate of Arizona.
Myrtice is survived by her son, Michael Cannon and his wife Suzanne, and their children, Ryan Cannon and his wife Kristi of Marysville, WA, Kirk Cannon, his wife Tammy of Snohomish, WA, Kevin Cannon of Scottsdale, AZ. and Michelle Cannon of Burlington, WA, Myrtice’s son Patrick’s children, Lisa and Adam Terry of CA. Her great-grandchildren, Summer Cannon of Marysville, Hailey, Elle and Drew Cannon of Snohomish, Jacobi Mulgrave of Oregon and Lisa Terry’s children. Myrtice is also survived by her Walter family step-children; Steve, Sid, Stan, Shirley, Linda and Tracy, all residing in California.
Myrtice was preceded in death by her husband Mel, her parents, sisters Agnes and Helen, son Patrick, and granddaughter Heather Mulgrave.
A Private Celebration of Life Memorial services will be held.
Myrtice was such a joy to know , she always had a smile for me & was such a sweet person. I missed her when she moved from Creekside. Thoughts & prayers for Myrtice. I would always tell her I loved her unique name, she would always reply with her beautiful smile.
Sincerely, Joanie