BLUEFIELD — Myrtle Mae Ward Altizer, born at Bearwallow, Va. on Feb. 3, 1913, departed this earthly life at the age of 98 and went to her eternal home to be with Jesus on Dec. 8, 2011.

Myrtle Altizer was the daughter of the late James and Carlie Wyatt Ward. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dr. Henley Altizer; a sister, Minnie; three brothers, Preston, Paul and Hassel Ward.

She is survived by two sons, Elmo and Delano Altizer and his wife Jean; brother, James Ward II, Bluefield, Va.; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Myrtle Altizer resided in Richlands, Va., Radford, Va., Sevierville, Tenn., and Ft. Wayne, Ind., where she was employed with the International Harvester for five years.

She was of the Pentecostal faith and always enjoyed Sunday school and church. She always had great admiration for Pastor Danny Scott and wife Glenda. She was a member of the Bluefield Church of God, Bluefield, W.Va. She had innumerable friends who loved her. There was never a more devoted mother, grandmother, sister and aunt. She had much love for animals. Her pet cat, "Charlie," was much enjoyment to her in later years. Myrtle loved shopping at Grant's Supermarket. She was a homemaker who enjoyed cooking and making breads, especially dinner rolls. She loved gardening and preserving foods. She liked to share goods with others.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, Dec. 11, 2011 at 2 p.m. at the Dudley Memorial Mortuary in Bluefield, Va. with the Reverend Michael G. York, the Reverend James Coe Sr., and the Reverend Danny Scott officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenhills Memory Gardens in Claypool Hill, Va. Pallbearers will be family members

Friends may visit with the family today from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Dudley Memorial Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Church of God, 3401 E. Cumberland Rd., Bluefield, WV 24701.

Dudley Memorial Mortuary in Bluefield, Va. is serving the Myrtle Mae Ward Altizer family.