Myrtle M. Lukes, 89, of Austin, Minnesota, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2014, at Adams Health Care Center in Adams, Minneosota. Myrtle M. Lightley was born March 21, 1925, in Austin, Minnesota, to Jay and Myrtle (Carter) Lightley. On March 21, 1943, Myrtle and Richard E. Lukes were united in marriage at the Methodist Church Parsonage in Austin. Myrtle and Richard raised their family and farmed in Austin Township until the fall of 1970, when they moved into town. After moving to Pickett Place in 2005, Richard passed away in 2008.

Myrtle was employed in various occupations over the years, including Secretary/Treasurer for Cedar City School in rural Austin, where she was active in the Mother’s Club. Other places of employment were Woolworth’s in Austin, a cook at the Wagon Wheel Restaurant and at Kingswood, and head cook at Raymond’s Nursing Home. She retired from Holy Cross School, where she worked as a cook and did miscellaneous office work. She was active in the Eagle’s Auxiliary and volunteered her time to many causes in the Austin Area. Myrtle was an exhibitor at the Women’s Craft Building at the Mower County Fair and was very proud of the ribbons she earned. She enjoyed sewing, crocheting, reading, canning and gardening, and was well-known for her cake decorating for various celebrations. She was also famous for her kolaches at the Farmer’s Market, and was especially proud of her African violets. Myrtle and her husband loved to go dancing and play cards.

Myrtle is survived by her son Larry Lukes (Nancy Tralle) of Northfield; her daughter Judy Steinblock of St. Cloud; and her grandson Jason Steinblock.

She was preceded in death by her parents Jay and Myrtle Lightley, her husband Richard, her son Gary in 2011, and her son-in-law Edward Steinblock in 2010.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 8, 2014, at the Worlein Funeral Home Chapel in Austin with the Rev. Dale Christiansen officiating. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service. Interment will be in London Cemetery, London, Minnesota. Services prearranged and performed by Worlein Funeral Home of Austin. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com.