Chapel services will be held on Thursday, February 25, 2010, at 10:00 a.m. at Peters Funeral Home in Shafter for Myrtle Schill, who passed away February 20, 2010. Myrtle Lee Costa was born January 29, 1923 in Hayward, California to John and Ethel Costa. Myrtle was raised in Oakland, CA where she attended Jefferson Elementary School, Hamilton Junior High School, and Universal High School. It was while living in Oakland, CA that she met her soul mate, Raymond Schill. The two sweethearts were married on December 1, 1945 in Reno, NV. The following year they moved to Milwaukee, WI. Then, in 1951, Raymond and Myrtle moved to Walnut Creek, CA, where they lived until 1955. It was that year when they moved to their beautiful and beloved city of Shafter, where they would go on to raise their family and live out their lives together. Raising three children was a full time job, but family was Myrtle's passion, and she committed her life to providing a solid foundation for her family and its future generations. As Myrtle's family expanded with the birth of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, one thing remained constant; Myrtle was always the centerpiece of the entire family. Raymond had built a very successful career in the seed business, and in 1990, Raymond and Myrtle opened R.S. Seeds Inc. in Shafter. Myrtle served as Co-Owner and Vice President of the company for 20 years. True to form, Myrtle utilized the family business as a springboard to help support the education and launch the careers of her grandchildren. In spite of owning a business, Myrtle made time for several hobbies. She loved interior design and took a great deal of pride in decorating the new home she and Raymond built in 1995. Myrtle also enjoyed spending time taking trips to Laughlin, NV with her daughter, Jane; taking frequent shopping trips with her daughter, Joan; and having dinner with her son, Raymond, each Sunday. She cherished the times when the entire family could get together, especially at her home on Christmas. Perhaps the thing Myrtle enjoyed most of all was the life-long love and commitment she shared with her soul mate, Raymond. During times of joy and times of heartache, Myrtle has always been the backbone of our family. She will be remembered as a passionate wife, a caring mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother; a wonderful sister, and a loyal friend to all that had the unique pleasure of knowing her. She touched the lives of so many, and her loss will be felt deeply by each of us. Myrtle was preceded in death by her father, John, mother, Ethel, sister, Junie, and great-granddaughters Sophia and Ellie. She is survived by her husband, Raymond, daughters: Jane Hall and husband, Allan, and Joan Hutchison and husband, Freddie; son Raymond Schill and wife, Diana; grandsons: Terry Hall and wife, Denise; Freddie Hutchison and wife, Tina; Jason Hutchison and wife, Shelli; and Robert Schill; granddaughters: Janie Hutchison, Jennifer Hall, Marlene Hall, and Michelle Schill; great grandchildren: Andrew Hall, Brady Hutchison, Makaela Hutchison, Trey Kelly, Emma Hutchison, Hailey Hutchison, Jack Hutchison, Teryn Kelly, Gretchen Hall, and two more on the way. Also, her sister, Elizabeth Clauser of Manteca, CA. After suffering a stroke, you showed enormous strength and courage, as you put up a valiant fight. Your bravery allowed each of us to share a few final, cherished moments with you, and we will carry those memories with us each day. Everything we are and everything we will become is because of your love and devotion. On February 20, 2010 you left us, and an Angel entered Heaven. You are so special to each of us, and we love you so much! A visitation will be held from 2:00-8:00 on Wednesday, February 24th at Peters Funeral Home in Shafter.