Myrtle (Eckerman) Keppy was born on March 1, 1924, in Lincoln Township. She was raised on a farm with her brother and was taught the importance of participating in community affairs from her parents. She attended a rural one-room schoolhouse from grades K-8 and continued her education at Davenport Central High School. She graduated in 1942.

On January 23, 1946, Myrtle married Roy Keppy. They had four children, Glen, Dale, Annette, and Ila Jean, to whom they also taught the importance of community involvement. Myrtle and Roy were charter members of Faith Lutheran Church in Eldridge, Iowa, as well as the Scott County Pork Producers and Porkettes. Roy was a charter member of the North Scott Rotary and served on the Board of Directors of Eldridge Cooperative and also the Central Trust and Savings Bank. They were also supporting members of the North Scott Athletic Boosters, and Scott County 4-H, including numerous local, state and national organizations.

Myrtle’s daughter, Annette Remsburg, wrote a biography about her mother entitled, RURAL REALITY – Sixty Years of Iowa Farm Family Life. The biography is based on Myrtle’s daily diaries. Records of Myrtle’s community involvement are also preserved for research in the University of Iowa Libraries Rural Women’s Archives.

Myrtle’s charitable interests lie in the growth of the Scott County Library branch in Eldridge, CASI, and providing scholarships for graduates of North Scott High School. The remainder of Myrtle’s Gift Annuity will be added to the Roy and Myrtle Keppy Scholarship Fund.