Myrtle McLain

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Dr. Myrtle McLain, a devoted mother, trailblazing physician, and cherished friend, who died peacefully at the age of 94.

Born on Christmas Eve in Rapid River, Michigan, Myrtle grew up the youngest of five children on her family's dairy farm. The hardships of the Great Depression shaped her early life, instilling a deep sense of gratitude, resilience, and generosity that became the foundation of her character. Even as a child, Myrtle's curiosity and intelligence stood out-she skipped a grade, walked to a one-room schoolhouse, and once lamented the injustice of an A-minus. She was elected class president at Rapid River High School, foreshadowing a lifetime of leadership.

Myrtle began her professional journey at the Mayo Clinic before enrolling at the University of Michigan, where she studied chemistry-despite her German professor's plea that she consider another path. She worked multiple jobs to pay her tuition, determined to pursue her calling in medicine. Along the way, she met her husband, Ernest McLain, on a blind date. The two were married in 1951 and eventually became parents to six children.

In 1966, Myrtle earned her M.D., becoming a pioneer in emergency medicine at a time when few women held such roles. She interned at St. Mary's Hospital in Grand Rapids and quickly rose through the ranks, becoming Medical Director of the Emergency Department and later the first Chair of its Department of Emergency Medicine. She was part of the inaugural class to be board-certified in the specialty.

Over the course of her distinguished career, Dr. McLain served as a physician, mentor, educator, and innovator. Her leadership helped shape West Michigan's emergency medical services, and she played a pivotal role in developing early first responder training. She also served as Deputy Medical Examiner for Kent and Newaygo counties and held faculty appointments at Michigan State University's College of Human Medicine. Her hospital affiliations included St. Mary's, Spectrum Health, Holland Community Hospital, Mercy, Hackley, and more.

Myrtle loved her work deeply and often said she never had a day she didn't enjoy. She had a remarkable gift for diagnosis, solving clinical puzzles others missed. Her patients and colleagues were drawn to her warmth, wit, and unshakable passion for people. She could connect with anyone-thanks in part to her fondness for puns-and always saw the human side of medicine.

At home, Myrtle balanced her demanding career with her most cherished role: mother. She raised six children while working night shifts, instilling in them a sense of purpose, independence, and the importance of education. Family road trips, educational excursions, and summer visits to the Upper Peninsula were staples of her parenting. Holiday gatherings (even if not on the actual holiday) brought her immense joy, especially when the house was full of laughter and conversation.

Outside of work, Myrtle was an active member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and enjoyed cooking, gardening, canning, reading, and cheering on her beloved Wolverines. She and Ernest were proud season ticket holders at the University of Michigan. After both Ernest and their daughter Alice passed away from cancer just ten days apart in 1995, Myrtle found strength in continuing to serve her community and staying intellectually engaged.

In her later years, she lived in Cedar Springs and then at StoryPoint Rockford, where she remained active, sharing stories, reading voraciously, and finding joy in small things-like crossword puzzles and spring trips to see the trillium flowers bloom.

Dr. Myrtle McLain lived a life defined by service, curiosity, and unconditional love. Her legacy will live on in the lives she touched-through medicine, friendship, and family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest; her daughter, Alice Leith; her siblings Floyd Sundberg, Lloyd Sundberg, John Sundberg, and Evelyn Scribner; and her son-in-law Robert Scribner.

She is survived by her children: Jan (Steven) House, Dawn Scribner, Carol (Jeff) Black, Kenneth McLain, and Ross (Denise) McLain; her grandchildren: Daniel (Caitlyn) House, David Young, Brian (Jeanna) Young, Seth Young, Jackii Mabee, Johnny (Lexxi) Suttorp, Amanda (Nick) Barbour, Derrick McLain, and Brittany McLain; great-grandchildren: Reece, Memphis, Gracelynn, Kyran, Willow, Ollie, Teddy, Dominick and Kelvin; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

A visitation and service to celebrate Myrtle's remarkable life will be held at Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Drive NW. Friends are invited to visit with the family on Monday, July 14 from 5-7 PM, and again on Tuesday, July 15 beginning at 10 AM, with the funeral service following at 11 AM.

In honor of her love for learning and compassion for others, memorial donations may be made to the Cedar Springs Public Library or the American Cancer Society.