Myrtle "Myrt" Berding

Myrtle “Myrt” Berding, 77, of Arkansas City, KS passed away March 2, 2023, surrounded by her family.

A visitation has been scheduled from 6-8 P.M. Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at Shelley Family Funeral Home of Arkansas City, KS. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M Thursday, March 9, 2023, at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Tannehill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Tuesday Breakfast Bowling League of Hillcrest Lanes Arkansas City; donations may be left in the care of the Shelley Family Funeral Home.

Myrt was born on a farm near Pine Knot, KY to Prince and Nancy Stephens on May 26, 1945 as the middle of what would be 11 siblings. After high school, she moved to Cincinnati, OH where she met the love of her life, Thomas “Tom” Berding. On September 3, 1966, Tom and Myrt united in marriage at St. Lawrence Church in Cincinnati. They attended school together at the University of Cincinnati until the summer of 1974 when they relocated to Kansas. Myrt continued her education after the move, and completed her Associate’s Degree through Cowley County Community College. She then attended Southwestern College, where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Magna Cum Laude. She worked as a Senior Financial Analyst for Conoco for over 20 years until her retirement.

Myrt was known for her immense heart and was a remarkable friend and family member. She was the godmother of Scott DeMint and Melissa (DeMint) Asper, and often spent time with other close friends and family members and their children. She loved to travel and did so often, but when she wasn’t traveling, she enjoyed baking, making holiday candy, and making cakes for family celebrations, especially birthdays. Myrt also enjoyed softball, sewing, quilting, gardening, and card playing, but above all else, she most enjoyed her time bowling. She regularly bowled in the Tuesday Breakfast League at Hillcrest Lanes in Arkansas City, KS, and traveled to bowling tournaments nationwide.

Myrt is survived by her husband Tom Berding, sisters Bonnie West, Fran Garland, and Betty McDavid, brother Elvis Stephens, numerous nieces and nephews, and a close, extended family. She is preceded by her parents, sisters Dillie Wells, Polly Spradlin, and Lillian Johnson, and brothers Gaylon Stephens, Kelly Stephens, and Gregory Stephens. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Myrtle "Myrt" Berding, please visit our floral store.