Myrtle R. Wright, 88, a resident at Maybrook Hills Health and Rehabilitation Center, passed away Friday at the center.

She was born in Altoona, daughter of the late Harry S. and Alberta (Detman) McClellan.

Surviving are two daughters: Leslie Gray and Melody; seven grandchildren: Michael Wright, Christina (Wright) Ritchey, David Wright, Kimberley Gray, Daniell (Gray) (James) Mort, Tyson (Ardrey) Franks and Courtney Ardrey; 16 great-grandchildren: Harper, Keegan and Cameron Franks, Carey Ardrey, Jacob Breinich, Alyssa and Colton Mort, Zachary, Alan and Carol Wright, Chelsea Deyarmin (David), Jordan Moore, Navayon Helton, Samantha (Jerrod Snyder) Condon and Brandon and Madison Ritchey; five great-great-grandchildren: Noah and Elliott Snyder, Denton Rhodes and Aiden and Linkon Deyarmin; a brother, Richard McClellan in Virginia; a sister, Anna Smith of Altoona; a daughter-in-law, Bonnie Shelow-Wright; and a son-in-law, Tom Ardrey.

She was preceded in death by a son, William M. Wright; a daughter, Darcy Ardrey; four brothers: Harry, William, Albert and Robert McClellan; and a sister, Mary Mossburg.

Myrtle was a graduate of Altoona High School, and she retired from the Department of Public Assistance.

She was a direct descendent of Civil War General George B. McClellan, who ran for president against Lincoln and was later elected governor of New Jersey.

Myrtle took great pride in her yard and planted hundreds of flowers each spring. She always had dogs, and they were great companions to her. She especially loved the Sheltie breed and had four of them in a row, three from owners who could no longer care for them.

She was a member of Second Avenue United Methodist Church, Altoona, where, in her youth, she sang in the choir and in a ladies quartet that traveled to churches all over central Pennsylvania.

A private service will be held at the convenience of the family. Interment will be at Rose Hill Cemetery, Altoona. Arrangements are by Leslie E. Axe Funeral Home, 1520 Fourth St., Altoona.

 Service Information