Myrtle Edna Pederson McGrillies, 88, of Severna Park, died of natural causes Nov. 20 at Anne Arundel Medical Center after a brief illness.

Mrs. McGrillies was born Oct. 30, 1918, and reared in Trent, S.D. After receiving her certification as a registered nurse at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., she entered the Navy in 1944 and was an ensign before her honorable discharge in 1946.

She then married James Roy McGrillies who died in 1992. The couple spent many years volunteering for the American Cancer Society.

Mrs. McGrillies was a member of the Severna Park Elks and the Severna Park Seniors Bowling League with whom she bowled until just last week. She enjoyed volunteering with Meals on Wheels, playing bridge, traveling, gardening and being with family and friends.

Surviving are three daughters, Christine Tassey of Davidsonville, Linda Alesantrino McGrillies of Fairplay in Washington County and Ann McGrillies Quaintance of Severna Park; one son, James O. McGrillies of Laurel, Del.; two brothers, Walter Pederson of Willow Lake, S.D., and Lowell Pederson of Clark, S.D.; two sisters, Janice Plagens of Watertown, S.D., and Thelma Steen of Clark; six grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at Barranco and Sons Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Highway, with burial in Maryland Veterans Cemetery, 1122 Sunrise Beach Road, Crownsville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 11403 Cronhill Drive, Owings Mills, MD 21117. Online condolences may be made to www.barrancofuneralhome.com

As published on 11/21/2006 in The Capital Newspaper, Annapolis, MD