On Saturday, April 23, 2016, in the beautiful surroundings of her home, Myra Dean Lankford Marut went home to be with the Lord. Born August 3, 1939 in Gadsden, Alabama, to the late Jesse Elbert Lankford and Eunice Mae Dean Lankford. Myra was a most beloved and dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, daughter, and friend. Myra leaves behind to cherish her memory, and continue her legacy of love, her devoted husband of 38 years, Leon (Lee) G. Marut; daughters Cheryl Zaremba Kirk (Michael), Angel Zaremba Frierson (Keith), Laura Zaremba Ehrhardt; stepdaughter Sherry Marut Gamez (Richard); grandchildren Morgan Kirk Becker (Jeff), Mackenzie Kirk, Baron Frierson, Blade Frierson, Tess Frierson; step-grandchildren Gavin Gamez, Eden Gamez, Jordan Marut (fiance Carly); great-grandchildren Zoie Frierson and Sofie Becker; sisters Katty Witherspoon (Steve) and Syrilla DeAngelis (Jim) and their cherished families. Myra was predeceased by her parents Jesse Lankford and Eunice Lankford Brown, stepfather Grover Brown, sister Betty Johnson, and stepson Scott Marut. Myra’s passing is an enormous loss for those who loved her, as she was a vital part of our daily lives and the cornerstone of our family. Her love for God and for us, her generous spirit, and joyful heart were contagious and worthy of legend. We are thankful to know that we will one day be able to wrap our arms around her again when we meet her in heaven. Today her love and radiant beauty are shining down from Heaven on all of us.
A Celebration of Myra’s life will be held 5:00pm Wednesday, April 27, at Blue Ridge Funeral Service, 7626 Hwy 213, Mars Hill, NC 28754. Reverend Karen Doucette will conduct the service. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.