Myrtle Mae Choate

To join the livestream of Mrs. Choate's service, please select the link below. The livestream will commence at 10:55 A.M. Monday, December 1, 2025. The service broadcast will be archived for 90 days for later viewing. https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc2NDAxNTU0OTM5MDExNSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw== Myrtle Mae (Hight) Choate, age 101 ½ years, a resident of Vienna and a former resident of rural Grantsburg, Illinois, passed away Sunday morning, November 23, 2025, at 1:37 A.M. at the Hillview Senior Living and Rehabilitation in Vienna. Myrtle was born March 17, 1924 at the family home in Johnson County. She was the daughter of William Hight and Rilla Mae (Griffitt) Hight. On November 1, 1941, Myrtle was united in marriage to Norman S. Choate in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. He preceded her in death on March 24, 1993. Myrtle is survived by: her children – Larry (Dianna) Choate of Grantsburg, Illinois, Karen Sue Choate of Anna, Illinois, Nancy (Jackie) Wright of St. Croix, Indiana, and Mary (John) Davidson of Alto Pass, Illinois; grandchildren – Don Choate, Jr., Aaron Choate, Josh Choate, Janna (Matt) Woodfall, Brianna (Daniel) Moore, Kasey (Derek) Mehling, and Abby Voss; 11 great grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; a daughter-in-law – Sandy Choate of Vienna; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, Myrtle was preceded by an infant son– Danny Lee Choate; sons - Donald Choate, and Terry Choate; an infant grandson – William Eric Choate; 2 sisters – Rosemary Hight and Louise Zolper; and 3 brothers – Walton Hight, William Hight, and Robert Hight. Myrtle was a faithful and devoted homemaker. During World War II, Myrtle resided in Evansville, Indiana and worked in a factory to assist in the war effort. She had also worked as a clerk at Williams Dime Store and the Vienna Drug Store. For a time, Myrtle was employed by the Good Luck Glove Factory in Vienna. She also served for approximately two years as the custodian at the Grantsburg Grade School. Myrtle and Norman also operated the Farmer’s Café for a time, where Myrtle demonstrated her well-known cooking skills. In later years, she provided babysitting and child care in her home. Myrtle served as a Johnson County election judge for many years. Myrtle is fondly remembered for the love and spirit of sacrifice she demonstrated to her family. She had a tireless work ethic and, along with her husband Norman, raised a large vegetable garden. They gave away produce to family, friends and neighbors. Myrtle took great pride in canning and preserving the bounty from their garden. She was also a skilled seamstress. Myrtle was self-taught in many areas, including knitting, crochet, arts, crafts, and had taught herself to upholster furniture. Myrtle was also a master quilt maker, as evidenced by her beautiful work of art creations. She also enjoyed working in her yard, especially raising all types and varieties of flowers. Myrtle enjoyed visiting with her family and friends. She was a member of the Red Hat Society as well as the Pond Community Ladies Club. She worshipped at the First Baptist Church in Vienna, where she had been a faithful volunteer in the annual Vacation Bible School programs and served on the kitchen committee. She was such a treasure and always will be to those who knew and loved her. A service honoring the life of Myrtle Mae Choate will be conducted Monday morning, December 1, 2025, at 11 A.M. at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Pastor Mark Staton, Pastor Matt Woodfall (Myrtle’s grandson-in-law) and Jackie Wright (Myrtle’s son-in-law) will officiate. A eulogy will be shared by Abby Voss (a granddaughter). Interment will follow in the Vienna Fraternal Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday morning, December 1, 2025, from 9 A.M. until the funeral hour at 11 A.M. Memorials may be made to the Heather Harper Treat Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 98, Vienna, Illinois 62995 or to the Vienna First Baptist Church (Food Pantry Ministry), P.O. Box 727, Vienna, Illinois 62995.

Myrtle Mae Choate

March 17, 1924 - November 23, 2025