Myrtice J. Atchenson

Services may be viewed by clicking the link below:

https://boxcast.tv/view/myrtice-atchenson-183914

Services for Myrtice Jean Atchenson will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, January 19, 2022 at Denton-Wood Funeral Home Chapel.

Myrtice was born in Lakeland, Florida July 29, 1937. She graduated high school in 1955. That summer, on June 30th, she married James "Jim" E. Atchenson, the one and only man she ever loved. In the following years together, they had 3 children.

Jim's career took them to all four corners of the country including Alabama, Pennsylvania, California, Washington State, and finally New Mexico, allowing Myrtice and the family the opportunity to see the beauty of this country as well as experience the diversity of people and places along the way.
Anywhere she went, Myrtice made fast friends with whom she regularly kept in touch throughout her life. She was a devoted wife, a loving mother and to those who knew her, she was a true friend. She deeply loved her family and friends and cherished every moment spent with them. Nothing made her happier than when her children and grandchildren came to visit.
Myrtice was a beautiful woman with a heart of gold. She spent countless hours visiting people at assisted living homes, some she barely knew. Making Valentine's gifts, Easter baskets and Christmas goodies, always something special for those who didn't have anyone in their life to be there for them. She cared about everyone around her, always doing what she could to help them, wanting them to know that someone cared. The only thing she wanted in return was to see them smile.
Her favorite pastime was bowling, which she did nearly every week for 57 years. Whether at home, in league or while traveling to tournaments, she proudly earned herself many trophies, pins and patches. When not bowling, she could often be found at the senior center with her many friends playing cards or Farkle, a dice game she even carried in her purse for anyone who was willing to play. She was a member of the Ladies Red Hat Society, where she attended or hosted, and always enjoyed their monthly gatherings.
No matter where Myrtice went she always had a big cup of her famous sweet tea with her and a warm smile on her face. At home, she was a green thumb tending to her plants and flowers and was always thrilled each time they bloomed. She loved watching the hummingbirds. She called them her "hummers" and was overjoyed when she would see the same ones return each year. They loved her flowers and feeders and she enjoyed their company. Myrtice respected every living creature. Any bug or spider that happened to wander in was promptly scooped up and put back outside to live another day. She loved all of her knick knacks and collectables that she had spent a lifetime finding. While visiting her, she would take you on the tour to show you her latest treasures.
Myrtice enjoyed taking advantage of every holiday, making dinner for, and inviting anyone who wanted to attend, the celebration. On Christmas, the fudge and pralines she made with pecans from trees in her own backyard were a family favorite. One of her specialties, corned beef and cabbage, was always a huge hit on St. Patrick's Day. Every year, she took the time to bake and decorate birthday cakes, wedding cakes, and cakes for any occasion for her family and friends. The beautiful roses she meticulously handcrafted using her own homemade icing was a highlight. Each cake was unique and spectacular; just as she was.
She truly enjoyed life and wanted only to make others feel good and to see them happy no matter what. Myrtice was one of those very rare people whose inner light touched the lives of everyone that was lucky enough to know her. She will forever be missed and always be remembered for her love, kindness and the radiance that surrounded her; a radiance so bright, there's nothing that will ever match or replace its brilliance.
Myrtice was preceded in death by her beloved husband of over 53 years, James E. Atchenson; parents Opal & William “Tex” Power of Lakeland, FL; sister Marlene Waterfield of Lakeland, FL; brother Bill Power; Aunt Pearl B Baker; and Uncle Dallas Lindsay. Survivors include her three children, daughter Karen E. Berg and husband Larry of Las Vegas, NV; son James E. Atchenson Jr. and wife Laurie of Kennewick, WA; and daughter Susan R. Atchenson of Carlsbad, NM; grandchildren Elaine Berg, Kevin Berg and wife Natalia, Jeffrey Berg, Joshua Tyre and his partner Diamond Castillo, great-grandson Alyas Tyre; and step grandchildren Sirinity and Cyris of Carlsbad, NM; sister Marilynn McClernan and husband Mac of Auburndale, FL; sister-in-law Bettie Jean Canavan and husband Michael Canavan of Pensacola FL; nieces and nephews Jack Canavan, Cheryl Wise, Tracy Woodward, Phyllis Boykin, Kenney Waterfield, Keith Waterfield and Lynn Waterfield.
Condolences can be expressed at dentonwood.com