Myrtle Elaine Spaulding, 91 years old, passed away on Thursday, February 3, 2022, in her home with her granddaughter, Demetra Chase by her side, after a battle with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. She was born on May 13, 1930, to Harold and Helen Ward in Strafford, Vermont.

At the age of 19, she married James Durkee and had five children, Gregory, Gary, Mona, Derrick, and Dana. They divorced and she met James Spaulding who she married on December 10, 1977. She took care of her husband after his strokes until he passed in 2001. After his passing, she lived in Texas with her daughter during the winter months, and went to stay with family in New Jersey, and Maine during the spring and summer months. She then moved back "home" to Vermont where she lived with her granddaughter and her husband.

She was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved cooking, baking, gardening, word search books, making puzzles, and spending time with her family and friends. She also loved to travel. She went on several cruises and took trips to see places she had never been. She loved to go out and watch people dance. She even liked to dance herself. She loved listening to music. She said it was relaxing and makes you feel free.

Myrtle enjoyed going to the Bugbee Senior Center to chat with friends, do a few puzzles, eat a meal, and then go home. She enjoyed watching her programs, Across the Fence, Young and the Restless, and Bold and the Beautiful. When she wasn't at the center or watching her programs, she was enjoying time with her family.

She worked as a housekeeper for several families in the Hanover, NH and Norwich, VT area for over 40 years. She became close to many families she cleaned for. She was also a lifetime member of the American Legion. She served as Vice President of the legion as well.

Myrtle was predeceased by her husband, James Spaulding, her son, Gregory Durkee, her brothers Ralph Ward, Donald Ward, and her sister, Mabel Dyer.

Myrtle is survived by her sister, Aldea "Dee" Brown of San Antonio, TX, a son, Gary Durkee of Thetford, VT, Mona Symancyk of Powder Springs, GA, Derrick Durkee of Sharon, VT, and Dana Durkee of Sharon, VT. She had 9 grandchildren, Gregory Durkee Jr., Carl "Bub" Thresher Jr., Donnie Thresher, Kimberley Durkee, Amy LaHaye, Demetra Chase, Brock Bagby, Denise Durkee, and Dena Durkee. She had great-grandchildren, and many step-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren.

The family cannot thank Bayada Hospice for all they have done. The support and kindness they gave Myrtle for the past two months did not go unnoticed. A huge thank you to Dr. Lisa Furmanski. She was also honest, forthcoming, and kind to Myrtle every time she saw her.

Myrtle requested that there be no funeral and/or services. We ask that in lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution be made in her honor at Bayada Hospice PO Box 1590 Norwich, VT 05055 or Anatomical Gifts Program HB 7100 Department of Medical Education Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth Hanover, NH 03755-3832. A celebration of life will be held at her granddaughter's house in June 2022.