Myrtle Joann Conlee Strait

1935 -2025

     Myrtle Joann Conlee Strait, 90 of Ft. Madison, IA, formerly of Montrose, IA  passed away Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at Birkwood Village in Ft. Madison, IA.

     She was born August 25, 1935 in Keokuk, IA the daughter of Virgil Robert and Mary Leona Calhoun Hagmeier.  Myrtle graduated from Montrose High School with the class of 1953.

     Myrtle was first united in marriage to Francis Walter Conlee.  To this union four children were born, Robert, Kathy, Mark and Dan.  They later divorced.  On July 22, 1983 Myrtle was united in marriage to Wayne Reneker Strait in Ft. Madison, IA.  He preceded her in death on April 30, 2023.

     Myrtle had been employed by Dial Corporation for twenty-two years, until her retirement in 1995.

She was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church in Keosauqua, IA, and an active member of the Keosauqua Lions Club, where she once served as President.

Myrtle enjoyed sewing and crocheting, creating beautiful blankets that her family and friends will cherish for years to come. She grew a large vegetable garden each summer and canned the produce she harvested. Myrtle also loved to travel and took numerous trips throughout her life. Some of her favorite destinations included Alaska, Germany, Colorado, and Arizona.

     She is survived by four children, Bob Conlee (Terry) of Argyle, IA, Kathy Kyle of Burlington, IA, Mark Conlee (Linda) of Montrose, IA and Dan Conlee (Karla) of Panama City, FL, two step-daughters, Louise Brown and Mary Parish, seven grandchildren, Will Conlee, Rob Conlee, Laura Conlee Russell, Michelle Giese, Jessica Newton, Jamie Wrieden and Cody Conlee, eighteen great-grandchildren, Drew Conlee, Addison Conlee, Nicholas Conlee, Caitlyn Conlee, Beatrice Russell, Mykal Snyder, Genni Newton, Josie Newton, Dillon Conlee, Samuel Conlee, Joshua Conlee, Tyler Giese, Andrew Giese, Sierra Johnson, Adrianna Wrieden, Kendra Wrieden, Kadyn Wrieden and Jaxon Wrieden and nine great-great-grandchildren and several step- grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She is also survived by one sister, Sharon Burgess Canida of Montrose, IA.

     In addition to her husband Walter, she was also preceded in death by three sisters, Garnett Hall, Jean Burgess, Judy Lamberson, one brother, Terry Hagmeier and one great-grandson, Andrew Maurice Russell and one great-great-granddaughter, Samantha Jacobs.

     A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 10, 2026 at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk, IA with Pastor John Simpson officiating.  Burial will be in Montrose Cemetery in Montrose, IA.

     Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10-11 a.m., Saturday at the funeral home with family meeting with friends at that time.

     Memorials may be made to Every Step Hospice or to Montrose Riverfront, Inc.

     Online condolences may be left for the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com