Obituary - Myrna Tenholder

Myrna LeLoie (Heiserman) Tenholder passed away Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Appleton City, MO at the age of 85. She was born at the Willis Residence in Appleton City, MO on March 3, 1940. Myrna was the youngest of seven children born to Charlie Frank and Elsie Mae (Burton) Heiserman. Myrna grew up living across the road from Elm Grove, a one room country schoolhouse near Rockville. Myrna went to school before she was old enough to attend. She followed her siblings to school and her siblings would sneak her in and hide her under their desks, until the teacher would find her and send her walking back home a few hours later. She attended Appleton City schools for her formative years. Myrna was a member of the Appleton City High School mixed chorus and quartet, and received #1 ratings on her solo, mixed chorus and quartet at state competition. She was also crowned football homecoming queen her senior year. Upon graduation in 1958, she went to work for Hallmark Cards in Kansas City, Missouri, where she developed a talent to create beautiful packages, making her own bows, and flower arrangements for the window displays at the home office. After a brief period in Kansas City, Myrna returned to Appleton City to work for Dr Stanley Meeks as a dental assistant.

In 1958, Myrna met the love of her life, Don. They were married on February 27, 1960, at Immaculate Conception Church during a blizzard, making their honeymoon in the southern states all the more enjoyable. To this union three children were born, Kimberly, Rodger and Kristi.

Early on, Myrna and Don farmed together and raised chickens for eggs. She was a homemaker and a good seamstress, making matching outfits for her two daughters, even sewing clothes for their Barbie dolls. She also found time to be the Cub Scouts den mother with her son. Myrna was a great cook and was known for her delicious homemade apple dumplings and hot rolls. She also found time to garden, can and loved tending to her flower gardens. She had an artistic ability to macrame, quill and paint ceramics, creating beautiful pieces. She made an extra effort to wrap packages with beautiful ribbons and bows, all while listening to Bonnie Guitar and other favorite artists to get her in the Christmas spirit. She was a great storyteller and excellent at telling jokes. After the kids were in middle and high school, Myrna went back to work for Young’s Grocery, Malgo Industries, Yoss Grocery and West Central Community Action Agency, until her retirement. During her employment at Young’s Grocery, Myrna also studied and obtained her EMT certification.

Myrna was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Montrose where she continued her vocal talent of singing in the Church choir for many years.

Myrna and Don’s favorite pastime was spending Sunday afternoons at Pomme de Terre lake with family and friends. Myrna was a good slalom water skier and she and Don taught the kids and their friends how to water ski. Many summers were spent boating, camping and slowing down to enjoy life, while listening to Neil Diamond.

Myrna was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Don, son, Rodger, and grandson Shawn Lynch, brothers Gilbert and Charles Heiserman; sisters Cora Lesmeister, Audrey Shouse, Josephine Hauschild, and Grace Belew. She is survived by daughter, Kimberly Lynch of Pittsburg, KS, daughter-in-law Lynda Tenholder of Saginaw, TX and daughter Kristi (Dave) Gengler of Montrose, MO; grandchildren Shannon (Luke) Giefer, Zachary Tenholder, Charles (Katelyn) Tenholder, Luke (Heather) Gengler, Brett (Devon) Gengler and Scott (Kassidy) Gengler; great-grandchildren: Eloise, Theo, Lilly, Maddie, Uryiah, Caroline, Chase, Easton, Bentley and Leighton, and numerous other family and friends.



The family suggests donations being made in memory of Myrna be made to St. Mary's School. Memorials may be left at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Montrose, MO or at Hill & Son Funeral Home in Appleton City, MO.