Obituary

On the morning of August 19th, 2023, Myrtie Mae Heath passed away, in a frankly out of character way (as she was better suited to being the feisty friend who was always ready to defend those she loved) peacefully, surrounded by loved ones:  including her daughter Angelica Murphy; her love Eric Seaman; brother Charles Heath; father Raymond Heath Sr; cousin Sherry Welch and her husband Warren Lipford; chosen “sister” Jennifer Walver and her “un-biological” daughter Jessica Ametler, at UVA Hospital in Charlottesville, VA.  Myrtie was 52 years young and she lived every moment of her life full throttle.

Myrtie was born in Plymouth, NH to Raymond Heath and Irma Angers (deceased),and at just shy of her 21st birthday brought her own child into the world, Angelica Murphy. 

In her younger years in New Hampshire she spent her time creating family memories at the local racetracks; everything from building and repairing her dad’s racecar, winning races, selling 50/50 tickets, scoring, and even writing the article for the local newspaper.  Of course there were plenty of shenanigans from those “Heath Kids”, including her main counterpart Charles Heath, eldest brother Ray Jr, cousins and many of her lifelong friends.

Myrtie had a free spirit that had her chasing dreams before settling down in Amelia, VA.  She spent her time in Virginia working at Carter Irrigation as their office manager, as well as being a firefighter and EMT for Amelia County Volunteer Fire Department, Mannboro Company 2.  In her travels she collected some truly amazing friends and many who called her, bonus mom, best friend, sister, auntie, and of course “my myrnee”. 

Myrtie had a heart whose love extended to more than just her chosen family, but animals too:  Her favorites being dogs, and baby cows, but always willing to extend a hand to help any animal.

Myrtie spent the last few years of her life with a man she often described as her “Prince”, Eric Seaman.  One of her many dreams in life was to travel route 66 west across the country, which they did together, on a motorcycle in true Myrtie fashion last year. 

 When asked to describe Myrtie most say how she lit up a room, how her smile could brighten the darkest days and her laugh was infectious.  Of course she hated hearing it, though it doesn’t make it any less true.  I could spend all day listing words about the fantastic qualities she possessed and they still wouldn’t be enough to truly capture the glowing spirit that she was and will remain in our precious memories.  The only closing line worth using is the one she requested “don’t cry, remember the good times”.

Myrtie is survived by her partner, Eric; daughter, Angelica; father, Ray Sr; brothers, Charles and Ray Jr. (Becky); aunt, Donna (Don), uncles, Wally and Arthur; cousins, Sherry (Warren), Lynn, David (Sylvia), Don Jr, Dan (Lilly) and Crystal.

She is predeceased by her mother, Irma; grandparents, Irene and Wally SR, and Mae and Elmer; aunt Esther; cousin Rhonda.

Celebrations of life will be held in Virginia on September 9, 2023 and in New Hampshire on September 16, 2023.