Myrna Kang Koh

Myrna Kang Koh, 87, went home to be with the Lord on October 24, 2024. She died peacefully, surrounded by family and her caregiver, after suffering from a neurodegenerative disease for several years.

Myrna was born on June 24, 1937, in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental, Philippines, to Proceso Cang and Lourdes Fortich Chua Cang. She was the third child and oldest daughter of twelve children. After high school, Myrna moved to Manila to attend Far Eastern Bible Institute and Seminary, where she earned her Bachelor of Religious Education. In 1961, she met Alejandro (Alex) Koh as she handed out gospel tracts on a jeepney. Myrna's mother died in 1962, and six of her youngest siblings, deserted by their father, were left in her care. Though Myrna had planned to be a missionary to Cambodia, she left this dream behind to care for her siblings, and Alex joined in their care when they married on March 31, 1963. Over the next few years, Myrna found care for her siblings with other relatives and at the Salvation Army Orphanage in Quezon City.

Myrna and Alex moved from the Philippines to Houston, Texas, with their two young daughters, Joy and Olive (Olivia) in 1967, sponsored by Alex's oldest brother and his wife, Severino and Pacing Koh. Two years later, their youngest daughter Vivian completed the family. Myrna pursued her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, graduating from Houston Baptist College in 1972. In 1980, she earned her Master of Education at the University of Houston in 1980.

As a young couple, Alex and Myrna embraced the good news of Jesus Christ and shared with their daughters their personal need for a Savior. They became members at Braeburn Bible Church, now First Colony Bible Church. They became United States citizens in 1974, working hard to give their daughters economic opportunities they did not have in the Philippines. Shortly after moving to Houston, they bought a Singer treadle sewing machine for $10, on which Myrna made many of her girls' clothes. Alex had a promotional product distribution business and they owned a small gift shop for a few years. Myrna worked as a real estate agent and earned her real estate broker's license, but her income as a registered nurse was the primary support for the family.

Myrna worked in many roles during her nursing career. When her girls were young, she worked the 11 to 7 night shift in various units. She worked as a school nurse for a few years, then returned to bedside nursing. After injuring her shoulder while lifting a patient, she moved into research, away from the physically demanding role of bedside nurse. In her research career, she studied medications used to treat multiple sclerosis. She volunteered with the American Red Cross towards the end of her career and after retirement. She will be remembered best by her daughters and grandchildren for the self-sacrificial care she gave to her husband while he was in hospice care at home, from 2018 until he died from congestive heart failure in 2021.

The grandchildren will remember Grandma for her delicious Chinese and Filipino cooking, and her abilities as a Scrabble player extraordinaire. For many years, Alex and Myrna met weekly with their friends, Ding and Martha, to play Scrabble from morning 'til evening, breaking only to eat lunch and dinner. As empty nesters, Alex and Myrna enjoyed ballroom dancing, especially the waltz.

Alex and Myrna lived in their home in Meadows Place, near Houston, for 49 years. Joy visited often, playing Scrabble and providing assistance as their health declined. On August 18, 2021, Myrna and Alex moved to the Dallas area, to Olivia and Kent's home, where Alex passed away the following day. Myrna's health declined sharply immediately following her husband's death. She moved in with Vivian and Kevin after a few weeks at the Welkener home. As it became apparent that Myrna needed 24/7 care, a friend of Vivian's recommended Nikki as a caretaker. Myrna moved into a group residential home under Nikki's care in December 2022. The family is unspeakably grateful for Nikki's loving care during Myrna's last two years of life.

Myrna is preceded in death by her husband, Alejandro Koh and her siblings Demetrio Kang, Antonio Kang, Loretta Cang Bajar, Estrella Cang, Proceso Kang, Jr., and George Cang.

Myrna is survived by her siblings: Eugenia Cang Cañete, Catalina Cang, Carmencita Cang Gascon, Helen Cang Fong, and David Lim; her children: Joy, Olivia Welkener (Kenton), Vivian Scott (Kevin); her grandchildren: Craig Welkener (Diana), John Welkener (Jazel), Vivian Sexton (Eric), Kristi (Jeremiah), Abigail Medina (Enoc), Timothy Welkener (Toria), Olivia J. Welkener, Staci, Joseph Welkener (Brianne), Anna Sundeen (Daric), Corrie Jensen (Brian), Lindsay Scott, Felisa Welkener, Daniel Welkener, Randall Welkener, Jeremy, Kendra Welkener, Brandon Scott; and her great-grandchildren: Matthew, Clark, & Zoe Sexton; Kenzi, Viviana, Lewis, & Titus Welkener; Benjamin & Evelyn; Elena & Mia Medina; Josiah Welkener; and Sawyer Sundeen.