Myrtle Mae (Hight) Choate of Vienna
Myrtle Mae (Hight) Choate, age 101 ½ years, a resident of Vienna and a former resident of rural Grantsburg, passed away Sunday morning, Nov. 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 Nov. 1, 1941, Myrtle was united in marriage to Norman S. Choate in Cape Girardeau, Mo. He preceded her in death on March 24, 1993.
Myrtle is survived by her children, Larry (Dianna) Choate of Grantsburg, Karen Sue Choate of Anna, Nancy (Jackie) Wright of St. Croix, Ind., and Mary (John) Davidson of Alto Pass; grandchildren Don Choate, Jr., Aaron Choate, Josh Choate, Janna (Matt) Woodfall, Brianna (Daniel) Moore, Kasey (Derek) Mehling and Abby Voss; 11 great-grandchildren; four 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; two sisters, Rosemary Hight and Louise Zolper; and three brothers, Walton Hight, William Hight and Robert Hight.
Myrtle was a faithful and devoted homemaker. During World War II, Myrtle resided in Evansville, Ind., 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 and Norman also operated the Farmer’s Café for a short time. In later years, she provided babysitting and child care in her home. Myrtle served as a Johnson County election judge for decades.
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 enjoyed quilting, knitting and crochet. She also enjoyed raising 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.
A service honoring the life of Myrtle Mae Choate will be conducted Monday morning, Dec. 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, Dec. 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, IL 62995, or to the Vienna First Baptist Church (Food Pantry Ministry), P.O. Box 727, Vienna, IL 62995.
To share a memory of Myrtle or to leave an online message of condolence for her family, visit baileyfh.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna.