Myrtle H.E. Swanson Bina

Myrtle H. E. Swanson Bina, age 96, died February 4, 2017. Throughout her life, she embodied Jesus' command that, "Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father" (Matthew 5:16). Never claiming attention for herself but always living to care for others, she dedicated her life to family, friends, neighbors, and the developmentally disabled. She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her life of caring for others and faith in Jesus is a lasting witness that will continue to touch people far beyond any imagination. Originally a city girl from Chicago, she came to love the plains of Nebraska and then the rolling hills and pine savannahs of central Georgia. She married her beloved husband, Bill, during the middle of World War II in 1943. In 1967 after raising three sons, she moved from Chicago to Axtell, Nebraska, to dedicate the next 40 years to serving the developmentally disabled at Bethphage Mission as a caregiver and Nutrition Services Manager. After a retirement that included travels across the country and to Europe to visit family and friends, she and Bill moved to Macon, Georgia. Preceded in death by her husband of 73 years, Bill, survivors include sons, William III, wife Gayle of Macon, Georgia, and Peter, wife Pam of Chandler, Arizona. She also was preceded in death by a son, Tommy. With Bill, they are joyfully laughing together in heaven. Grandchildren and their spouses include, Betsy Bina, Washington, DC; Peter Jr and Christina Bina, Gilbert, AZ; Bill IV and Kitty Bina, Atlanta, GA; Keely Bina, Gilbert, AZ; Dr. Robert Bina, Tucson, AZ; Alison and Chris Fulbright, San Jose, CA; Jonathan and Crystal Bina, Macon, GA; and Megan and Dan Taylor, Gilbert, AZ. Blessed with 7 greatgranddaughters, including Madeleine, Isabella, Evangeline, Mia, Scarlett, Kayden, Sofia, and Emery, and one great-grandson, Brecken. She also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. A Memorial Service will be at Keene Evangelical Free Church with a private family burial in Axtell, Nebraska, this summer. Memorials suggested to Mosaic-Bethphage @ Axtell, PO Box 67, Axtell, Nebraska, 68924 or Keene Evangelical Free Church, 662 F Rd., Axtell, Nebraska, 68924. Register online at www.hartsmort.com. Hart's at the Cupola has charge of arrangements.