Myrl Jean Solum

Myrl Jean (LaBorta) Solum, age 83, passed away on January 20, 2026. Myrl was born on July 19, 1942, in Havre, Montana, to Elmer and Esther (Bergstrom) LaBorta. She grew up on the farm south of Rudyard and received her early education at the Rathbun Country School. She then went on to graduate from Rudyard High School in 1960. Myrl furthered her education with a degree as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) from Great Falls College and Northern Montana College. After earning her LPN degree, she began working at the Liberty County Hospital in Chester, Montana. Myrl loved taking care of others through nursing and enjoyed working with the doctors and nurses to care for patients, who were often her friends and neighbors.

Myrl married Marcel Solum in Rudyard on May 10, 1964. Together, they lived on the Solum farm, just two miles from her childhood home, and raised two daughters, Deb and Kathy. Myrl decided to stop her nursing career and begin her second career as a farm wife and mother.

Myrl continued to care for folks in the community through baking and cooking meals for those in need of “comfort food” during illnesses or times of mourning. She enjoyed sewing and quilting and making many baby blankets for new little ones in the community. She also made quilts for local quilting groups to donate to hospitals and charity organizations. Other hobbies included crocheting dishcloths and kitchen towels, crossword puzzles, and reading historical books, especially about Montana, and watching TV programs in the evening, including Wheel of Fortune and Antiques Roadshow. Myrl volunteered at the Rudyard Depot Museum in her retirement years. She enjoyed sharing the history of Rudyard and the Hi-Line with those visiting the community.

She was often found outside working in her flower and vegetable garden. She always planted a large garden. She canned and pickled many jars over the years and shared the extra produce with her neighbors. Baking was also a favorite pastime. At Christmas time, she, along with her husband and kids or neighbors, continued the tradition of making Lefse and other Scandinavian cookies. There were always coffee and a plate of cookies or cinnamon rolls if you stopped by for a visit. Many were recipients of her kindness and thoughtfulness!

Myrl is survived by her husband, Marcel, her daughter Kathy, son-in-law Art Wong, grand-kids Cameron and Cassidy Wong, all from Edmonds, Washington, sister June Stiles of Helena, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Evelyn and Phillip Griffin of Washington, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, Ann Marie, Gerard, Dale, and Aileen; and her daughter, Deb.

Myrl’s kindness and generosity were deeply felt by many and will be greatly missed by friends and family. No services are planned at this time. Memorials and donations can be sent to the Rudyard Depot Museum.