Myra Ruth (Pitts) West

Myra Ruth (Pitts) West 8/11/2020. Myra Ruth of Lakeland, Florida passed away in the loving arms of her youngest son Chris, with Jimmy her second born son at her side on Good Shepard Hospice in Lakeland, Florida, on August 11, 2020. Myra Ruth is preceded by her father, Virgil Hardy (Pete) Pitts, born in Cordele, Georgia; mother, Hazel Rosette McIntosh, born in Orlando, Florida; and brother 1LT Charles R. Pitts, Date of Casualty 11/26/1967 in Province KONTUM, Vietnam. Branch of service, Army. Myra Ruth was born in Volusia County, Daytona Beach, Florida at Halifax Hospital. She was married to beloved husband Nathaniel Fletcher West of Lakeland, Florida for 54 years until his passing on June 20, 2011. Myra Ruth is survived by her three sons Chris, James Kevin (Debra), and Richard Keith(Patti); Sisters in law Mary Lee Pitts, Debora Morales and Flora Mae West; Brother in law Woodrow (Betty) West and grandchildren and great grandchildren. The long time beloved friends of N.F and Myra and Chris,(IBEW) ; Mr. Jim B.; beloved friends Mr.and Mrs. Don and Ann P.; Miss Helen B.; long time friend and hair dresser, Ric C. Myra is proceeded in death by her grandfather, Charles Sebra McIntosh, grandmother Ruth Ellen Brannen McIntosh, Warner S. McIntosh (Maggie Ruth) (Jennifer ,Johnette, Charlotte,Charles John.) Viola McIntosh (William Roger, Karian, Zelia Viola (Dede) Sheryleen Marie (Sherry). Myra shared many fond memories she had with her son, Chris. She also seemed to admire the twins so much and the times she had spent with them. She did talk to Chris about her childhood experience with polio and her stay at the St. Pete hospital, and told me of a relative that always came to see her and spend time with her. Myra's father and family are from the Ruskin Florida area. She shared many fond memories of those times and they were very precious to her, such as their love for cooking. She left no stone unturned and told us over the years of her family and the times she had with them and how precious she held them in her heart. After the passing of Myra's husband, Myra spent her days with her youngest son Chris. Myra enjoyed reading a lot, Myra and Chris would visit all the local farms in central Florida during the season so Chris could uPick the local produce. Her immobility often left her confined to the vehicle unless the opportunity allowed a chance to use a curb that was high enough so she could get out of car and into her chair (a make shift ramp that was jimmy made and carried around in back of vehicle) so we did not have to rely on curbs and such. This gave us the opportunity to take her to so many different places. Myra did not seem to mind to be in the vehicle, she enjoyed the landscape and the fresh air, and the ability to see all the ways the Florida farmers grow fruits and vegetables. Myra enjoyed seeing the Florida landscape. We would point out all the mango trees growing in the local area yards and compare them to the mango trees we have in our backyard. I converted the backyard to a garden so she could see plants grow over the years. Roses grew at the house on the lake, and we counted the days until the next wildflowers season and she so enjoyed that. She was in complete awe of the sand hill cranes in the open pasture land with their babies. She loved the baby goats on the farms and thought they were so sweet. She enjoyed going out to Mr. Jim's farm to see his flowers grow, and once a year she watched Chris pick mustard greens from his farm to have for a New Years dinner, as Mom loved the traditional New Years dinner, that goes back to her mother's (Hazel) tradition. She enjoyed the friendship she built with Don and Ann P. Citrus Farmers and the talks with Ann "Florida girl". Myra and Chris traveled the Florida landscape as much as possible, mostly local; distance was always a factor with the Florida heat and sitting in vehicle for long periods was difficult. Chris tried to give her as much opportunity to see all that was out there. Myra loved going to a farmers market in Palmetto; her favorite spot was the bakery shop that made baked goods the "ole fashion way". If mom disappeared, we always knew where to look. Myra also enjoyed watching the old reruns of the Carol Burnett show, that was her favorite, and she enjoyed watching drama TV She liked watching Tom Selleck, "he is so good looking" as mom would say in Blue Bloods, Doc Martin and Grace and Frankie the Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston characters made her laugh so much, as with many other TV shows, of old and new. Myra enjoyed window shopping by herself, and going to mall settings, she also enjoyed going to movies as often as she could. She must have really enjoyed the freedom and independence she had with her mobility chair. However, all those occasions made Chris nervous and he would tell her not to take candy from strangers and no wooden nickels, and to always be careful. Myra went to occasional dinner outings and movies with son Jim and his wife Debra. Myra so looked forward to that as she would always get herself so pretty, it certainly must have made her feel so good to be able do things. Myra did have the opportunity to see Charles Pitts Jr., her brothers son with Mary Lee Pitts and she so cherished all of those outings. Myra had an extended pet family she took solace in; our cat family, (Little Man) "he is special" as she would say. Myra would also say, "the queen," Blue. Blue started feeling bad in the beginning of 2019 in the first part of summer and she was diagnosed with cancer. It was very unfortunate that Blue passed November 2019. Myra had gone in hospital a day before and she kept asking Chris how was Blue was doing. Not wanting to upset Myra, he would say she is resting, until there came a time when he felt he had to tell Myra. She took that pain with her, of not being with Blue. Myra's wishes are that all of her extended family know she Loved each and every one of you all .As time and circumstances have separated everyone, Myra never forgot, and cherished all those memories and keep them close to her heart. Myra wishes also include that donations be made to local SPCA in her memory.

Myra Ruth (Pitts) West

November 17, 1938 - August 11, 2020