Myra J. Baughman
6/9/1937 – 11/25/2024

Myra passed away peacefully at home with her daughters by her side.

She was born in Bartow, FL to James Aubrey & Olive Gill and later moved to Washington. She went to Lincoln High School in the 50's and went on to Pacific Lutheran University where she earned her master's degree in education and began a 35-year teaching career. While pursuing her Doctorate Degree, she married her high school sweetheart, Jerry Baughman in 1961. They added to their family, daughter Leslie in 1968 and daughter Laura in 1971.

Myra loved all things educational and her hunger for knowledge never waned. In 1974, with her husband Jerry's blessing, she packed up both young girls and moved to Lincoln, NE where she completed courses and a dissertation early to obtain her PHD. She returned home and began teaching classes at PLU. She earned the titles of Teacher, Assistant Professor, Professor and Dean of the Education Dept. Throughout her career at PLU, in addition to teaching classes, she wrote text books, guided and mentored student teachers, home schooled her granddaughter for the entire 4th grade year, did some tutoring and did work with Concordia & Mount Rainier Lutheran School well past her retirement.

Myra loved to travel and was fortunate enough to be able to travel for work. She taught English to Chinese and Japanese students and was able to also travel to both countries. After retirement, she wanted to start traveling again and she was introduced to a woman who also loved to travel. Carol and Myra went on their 1st trip together and were both so happy to have just hit it off immediately. They traveled to many places, including an African safari. Myra also loved gardening, and her yard filled with a rose garden and so many beautiful flowers, plants, and trees.

Myra was preceded in death by her husband (Jerry), parents (James & Olive), sister (Barbara) and brothers (Jim & Don). She is survived by sister (Caroline), daughters (Leslie & Laura (Chris)), grandsons (James, Marcus & Paul), granddaughter (Jessica), great grandsons (Kowen, Keelan & Logan) and great granddaughter (Kamila)

A Memorial Service will be held at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church – 140 E. 56th St., Tacoma, WA  98404 on Saturday December 14, 2024, at 1:30pm. Donations may be made to Concordia Christiam Academy (Education Endowment Fund) or Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.