Myrna Lee Oglesby

MYRNA LEE OGLESBY

September 29, 1935 - November 17, 2024

Myrna Oglesby, a truly remarkable, special woman, devoted mother, wife, grandmother and great-grandmother, accomplished attorney and respected member of her community passed away peacefully at home on November 17, 2024.

Born in Ukiah, California to Earl Victor Snook and Ruby Alice Phillips Snook, she was born to humble beginnings. The family lived in several rural locations in Northern California, following her father’s various promotions doing highway maintenance. Myrna and her family lived off the land, hunting, fishing, raising chickens and gardening. In the early 50’s the family moved to Willits. Myrna married John Reitzell, moved to Ukiah, and they had two children, Deborah Perkins (Chris) and Jerry Reitzell Oglesby (Isabel).

Myrna married Neal Oglesby in 1964, and their blended family included Keith Oglesby (Jane), Donald Oglesby and Linda Ross (Kelly). Myrna and Neal travelled the world and made memories in many foreign and exotic places. Myrna shared her love of travel with her children and went on cruises to some lovely destinations.

Myrna’s career path spanned from waitress to secretary to attorney, with no college degree and she “read for the bar” instead of going to law school. She passed the California Bar exam on her first attempt and became a lawyer in 1983. She was a partner in the law firm of Rawles, Hinkle, Carter, Behnke & Oglesby, where she had been a secretary and office manager, then began her own practice when the partnership dissolved. She served on the boards of several local organizations, belonged to local service organizations and helped many others with pro bono services or advice.

Neal passed away in August of 2000, and Myrna continued her work for several years living alone until she found love again and married Donald Howard, a widower that she had known for many years, gaining wonderful relationships with his four children. Myrna and Don had a loving marriage for 12 years until he recently passed away on October 14, 2024.

Myrna is preceded in death by stepson Donald Oglesby, and husbands Neal Oglesby and Donald Howard. She is survived by her brother Walter Snook, daughter Deborah Perkins, son Jerry Oglesby, stepson Keith Oglesby, stepdaughter Linda Ross, grandsons Colby Standley and Jeremy Standley, granddaughter Savanna Oglesby, stepgrandsons Dale Oglesby and Noah Oglesby, great-grandson Carson Standley, and great-granddaughter Kailani Skye Standley.

A memorial gathering will be held sometime next year. Please make any donations to Hospice of Ukiah, 620 S. Dora St., Suite 101, Ukiah, CA 95482