Myla Jo Robertson Obituary (1934

Our smart, funny, beautiful, fashion icon mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and friend to many passed away on June 26, 2023 with her 3 loving sons Rob, Rick and Roger and beloved daughter in law Leslie by her side. She lived a wonderful life having been blessed to spend more than 60 years with her first and only boyfriend Harold, whom she married on her 18th birthday, until his death in 2013. While we will grieve her loss, we are glad she is free from the dementia that stole her final years. We are relieved knowing that she passed peacefully with dignity surrounded by the love she always gave. Myla Jo (my little Joe as her father said when he named her) was born in Decatur on January 11, 1934 to Joseph Holley and Graciu Margueritte (Rogers) O'Dell - one of 8 children. She graduated from Decatur High School in 1952 and was a lifelong resident of the Decatur area. Myla and Harold and their young family moved to the small village of Mt. Zion in 1958 and soon immersed themselves in the growing community - Harold through real estate and Myla through community activities. Myla met many lifelong friends through the Mt. Zion Women's Club and through her involvement attending school board meetings and other community events. In fact she even ran for Mt. Zion school board in the early 60's and the newspaper articles of the day boldly reported a "woman" was running for school board. She lost as it was difficult for a woman in the early 60's to be seen as a leader. But she was a trendsetter even then. Myla was the original "working mom". She began her medical career at Macon County Hospital in the lab. She later worked in various doctors offices in Decatur including a young Dr. Spicer on the 12th floor of the Citizen's Building. She ended her career where she began back at DMH. In between Myla attended nursing school and real estate school but always returned to her love of working in medical offices. Myla and Harold were very early members of the SKI Klub of Illinois spending several years with many good and long time friends at the club grounds on Lake Decatur. She was also very involved with the young Democrats in the 60's. Myla served as secretary while Harold served as President. Again, she made many long time friends with her warm personality and bright smile. Myla was extremely close to her family, especially following the premature death of her own mother at only 47 leaving 3 young siblings that Harold and Myla helped raise at her young age of only 21. Our family home became the place for many family gatherings over the years and the place that many called "home" base during holiday events. This closeness extended to vacations with her siblings following retirement with a warm weather climate near a casino a requirement. Myla and Harold enjoyed 15 happy years of traveling the country in their RV before Harold's illness and death in 2013. Myla was an avid reader, home decorator, fashion icon (weekly hair and biweekly mani/pedi through her late 80's), loved her keno games and loved her family with a fierce passion. While a great family hostess, Myla never really was much of a cook. Evening family meals consisted of the nightly round of our favorite restaurants including Swartz's, Mt. Zion cafe and Steak n Shake to name a few. The ovens in our various homes never got much of a workout. Myla is preceded in death by: her parents, husband, siblings - James, William, Joyce O'Brien, Joseph, Robert. Brother/sister in laws - Betty O'Dell, George O'Brien, Judy O'Dell, Ed Hooper, Stella Drake. Nieces/nephews - Edward Hooper Jr., Cindy O'Dell, Myla, William O'Dell Jr. Special lifelong friends JR and Pat Stevens. Myla is survived by her 3 sons: Bro. Rob, CSV, Roger, Rick (Leslie). Her beloved grandchildren and their families: Holly (Jason), Joey (Lynlee), Jacob, Jordan, Lindsey (Ponce), Tyler (Brandie), and Mason and 9 great grandchildren. Services will be held Saturday at 2pm at Dawson and Wikoff in Mt. Zion, IL with visitation one hour prior to service. The family would like to extend special thanks to mom's caregiver Sherri Chandler who provided loving care and companionship during this journey. Also to the staff, especially the CNA's, at the Loft Rehab of Decatur who provided mom dignity and care during this past difficult year. In Myla's memory please take time to visit, call or write an elderly person who made a difference in your life and doesn't get out anymore. That was always mom's greatest wish and pleasure in her final years. It's too easy to let time go by. Don't forget about those who loved us into who we are.