Myrtle Ovedia (Asper) Clement Bliton passed away on Saturday morning, June 21, 2003 in Peoria, Ariz., at the age of 93.

She was a longtime resident of Austin. For the past five years she has lived at Sun Grove Retirement Village in Peoria, Ariz., where she moved to be near her children and grandchildren.

Myrtle Asper Bliton was born on November 5, 1909, in Miles City, Mont., the daughter of Bennie and Mattie (Olson) Asper. In 1910, Myrtle’s parents returned to the family farm near Adams. She attended school in Adams and later continued her education at a business college in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she also worked before returning to Austin. She later worked at JC Penney Co. and was a school secretary for Austin Public Schools until her retirement.

She was united in marriage to Edwin L. Clement on June 21, 1930, in Austin. Edwin died July 26, 1956, and on July 3, 1969, Myrtle was united in marriage to Arleigh N. Bliton at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. Arleigh died on Sept. 23, 1992.

Myrtle was a member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church where she participated in many activities for over 70 years, sang in the church choir for 25 years, was an associate member of the American Lutheran Church in Sun City, Ariz., a member of Sons of Norway where she held various offices, volunteered at the Mower County Senior Center, a member of the Busy Bee Birthday Community Club and a member of The Cedars Kitchen Band. Myrtle enjoyed her family, traveling, genealogy, quilting, walking and exercise classes.

She is survived by her three children: Gerald (Linda) Clement of Surpise, Ariz., Judy (Roger) Folven of Lake Mills, Iowa, and James (Andrea) Clement of Scottsdale, Ariz.; eight grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Irene Hurd of Austin, Texas, and Madeline Cockrum of Anaheim, Calif.; four brothers: Harold Asper of Orcas Island, Wash., Maurice (Eva) Asper of Sun City, Calif., William Asper of Yerington, Nev., and Myron (Gloria) Asper of Shakopee, Minn.; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husbands: Edwin Clement in 1956, and Arleigh Bliton in 1992; two sisters: Ruth McNamara and Alice Krokus; and four brothers: Bernard Asper, Oswald Asper, Arthur Asper and Vernon Asper.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 26, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Austin, with the Rev. Ronald Barnett officiating, and reviewal at the church one hour before the service. Worlein Funeral Home of Austin is in charge of arrangements. Interment will follow the services at Oakwood Cemetery.

Casket bearers are Steven Wheeler, Scott Wheeler, James Armbrust, Robert Asper, Roger Asper and Tom Asper.