Miriam was born near Morley, Jones County, Iowa to Willard H. and Thelma (Leinbaugh) Russell on February 22, 1922. She was raised on the family farm in Dayton Township, north of Clarence, Cedar County, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at the Clarence Methodist Episcopal Church in 1933. Miriam graduated valedictorian of the Class of 1939 in Clarence High School and entered the State University of Iowa, graduating in the Class of 1943 with a degree in Home Economics Education. Miriam’s first teaching job, reflected the WW II years, as she was the principal, and taught more science and chemistry classes than home economics in Grand Mound, Iowa. After three years teaching in Grand Mound she taught one year at Norway, Iowa before coming to Canton High School in the fall of 1948. She also taught one year in Preston 1951.
She met her future husband, Gordon A. Sather while teaching in Canton and was married at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin, Minnesota on July 16, 1949. Gordon died June 24, 1958. She was the City Treasurer and City Clerk for the City of Canton for nearly 24 years retiring 1997. During earlier years she participated in the Prorati Study Club and American Legion Auxiliary. She is longtime member and Elder of the Canton Scotland Presbyterian Church and the Presbyterian Women. While she was an active Elder the Canton Scotland Presbyterian Church expanded its church building for which she was proud to have played a part in its construction.
In 2002 Miriam moved to Heritage Grove in Harmony and enjoyed living there. She enjoyed reading, sewing, baking and flower gardening through the years. Currently, her deck garden at Heritage Grove continues in full bloom for which she took great care and pride.
Miriam died suddenly at the Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah, Iowa, Thursday afternoon July 29, 2010 at the age of 88.
She is survived by three sons, Marc R. Sather (Jeanne Barre), of Preston, MN, Allan K. Sather, of Bloomington, Indiana and Britt G. Sather (Denise) of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Six grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren, including Everett Anthony Sather born 10 days ago. Also surviving, is her brother, Keith E. Russell (Dorothy) of Clarence, Iowa. Miriam is predeceased by her husband, and her parents.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 14, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. at the Canton –Scotland Presbyterian Church in Canton conducted by Rev. Amy Perkins. Lunch and fellowship will follow the service. A private internment will occur on August 13, 2010 at the Elliota Cemetery, Canton Township, Minnesota.
Memorials are preferred to Canton Scotland Presbyterian Memorial Fund, Fillmore County History Center, Fountain, MN. |
