Myrna Arlene Alderfer passed away peacefully on January 10, 2022 in Newport News, Virginia. Born in Warwick County on February 7, 1936, Myrna was the third child (second daughter) of Frank and Hilda (Moyer) Alderfer. She was one of six children in the joyful household and delighted in helping her mother and sister care for the younger siblings. She attended the Warwick River Church School through eighth grade before going on to Warwick High School. She graduated from Eastern Mennonite School in 1954. After pursuing several career college classes at VCU, Myrna realized her lifelong love for helping others when she became a certified occupational therapist assistant. She worked for several years at a private psychiatric hospital in Richmond, Virginia, and upon her return to Newport News, she was employed at Dow Chemical. After this, she was a certified occupational therapist assistant for over thirty-five years at Eastern State Hospital in Williamsburg, Virginia, though her natural talent for helping patients made it more a vocation than work. She had a true calling and many times her beloved siblings, nieces, and nephews also benefited from her artistic gifts and generous heart.
Her beautiful Christian spirit was felt by everyone she encountered, and she was a valued and trusted friend to many. And her friendships lasted a lifetime, such was the breadth of her love and care. She was an active, life-long member of Warwick River Mennonite Church and used her gifts to serve others in the church and broader community. Her lemon meringue pies, chocolate silk pies, and pound cakes were well known at fellowship meals, and baking was one of her passions in life.
Myrna was blessed not only with lovely red hair, but with a natural green thumb as well, which she used for cultivating roses, ferns, and lemon trees. She was a member of the Virginia Peninsula Rose Society and showed her own roses, winning prizes for her blooms. Among her favorites was the Perfume Delight rose.
She also loved to travel and in addition to trips within the United States, she enjoyed travel abroad to Europe, particularly Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Holland, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
Beginning in 1997, to coincide with the hundredth anniversary of the Mennonite Colony, she participated in all of the Pieced Together community theater folk operas performed under professional direction at the Yoder Barn in Newport News. She embraced her acting and singing roles with dedication and enthusiasm, and her acting ability lent authenticity to the historical accuracy of the plays.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her elder brother, Richard Alderfer; her elder sister, Sarah Alderfer Weaver; and her sister-in-law, Elaine Alderfer (wife of Harold Alderfer). She was also preceded in death by her nephew, David Alderfer, son of her brother Richard; and by a great-nephew, Derek Blume, son of her niece Twila.
Family meant everything to Myrna and she maintained loving ties to all of her siblings and their children. She is survived by her sister Dorcas (married to Wallace Schaefer); her sister Kathryn (married to Nelson Baer); her brother Harold Alderfer; her brother-in-law Samuel Weaver; and her sister-in-law, Lois Fisher. She will forever be loved by her nephews and nieces: Raymond (Cynthia), Twila (John), James (Karen), Rachel (Loren), Janet, Doris (Steve, dec.), Michael (Rachel), Patricia (Larry), Carol (Glen), Juanita, Jeanette (Lynn), and Jason (Kirsten); and her twenty-five great nephews and nieces: Erich, William, Stephen, Karen, Sarah, Michelle, Jonathan, Julie, Jenna, Jameson, Benjamin, Matthew, Timothy, Paul, James, Nathan, Luke, Marie, Dawn, Anna, Jesse, Ingrid, Grant, Irene, and Sallie.
Many of her nieces and nephews recall from their childhood riding in Aunt Myrna's blue two-tone 1957 Chevy. She was always ready to take them places and spend time together.
The family is now rejoicing at the thought of her heavenly reunion with parents and siblings. She and her sister Sarah are embracing once again with joy and thanksgiving. We give praise for her life and the legacy of love and acceptance she left for us. Praise be to God!
Her family members will attend a private burial at Warwick River Mennonite Church cemetery. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Warwick River Mennonite Church, 250 Lucas Creek Road, Newport News, VA 23602.
Arrangements by W.J. Smith & Son Funeral Home. www.wjsmithandsonfh.com.
https://www.wjsmithandson.com/obituary/myrna-alderfer
Her beautiful Christian spirit was felt by everyone she encountered, and she was a valued and trusted friend to many. And her friendships lasted a lifetime, such was the breadth of her love and care. She was an active, life-long member of Warwick River Mennonite Church and used her gifts to serve others in the church and broader community. Her lemon meringue pies, chocolate silk pies, and pound cakes were well known at fellowship meals, and baking was one of her passions in life.
Myrna was blessed not only with lovely red hair, but with a natural green thumb as well, which she used for cultivating roses, ferns, and lemon trees. She was a member of the Virginia Peninsula Rose Society and showed her own roses, winning prizes for her blooms. Among her favorites was the Perfume Delight rose.
She also loved to travel and in addition to trips within the United States, she enjoyed travel abroad to Europe, particularly Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Holland, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
Beginning in 1997, to coincide with the hundredth anniversary of the Mennonite Colony, she participated in all of the Pieced Together community theater folk operas performed under professional direction at the Yoder Barn in Newport News. She embraced her acting and singing roles with dedication and enthusiasm, and her acting ability lent authenticity to the historical accuracy of the plays.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her elder brother, Richard Alderfer; her elder sister, Sarah Alderfer Weaver; and her sister-in-law, Elaine Alderfer (wife of Harold Alderfer). She was also preceded in death by her nephew, David Alderfer, son of her brother Richard; and by a great-nephew, Derek Blume, son of her niece Twila.
Family meant everything to Myrna and she maintained loving ties to all of her siblings and their children. She is survived by her sister Dorcas (married to Wallace Schaefer); her sister Kathryn (married to Nelson Baer); her brother Harold Alderfer; her brother-in-law Samuel Weaver; and her sister-in-law, Lois Fisher. She will forever be loved by her nephews and nieces: Raymond (Cynthia), Twila (John), James (Karen), Rachel (Loren), Janet, Doris (Steve, dec.), Michael (Rachel), Patricia (Larry), Carol (Glen), Juanita, Jeanette (Lynn), and Jason (Kirsten); and her twenty-five great nephews and nieces: Erich, William, Stephen, Karen, Sarah, Michelle, Jonathan, Julie, Jenna, Jameson, Benjamin, Matthew, Timothy, Paul, James, Nathan, Luke, Marie, Dawn, Anna, Jesse, Ingrid, Grant, Irene, and Sallie.
Many of her nieces and nephews recall from their childhood riding in Aunt Myrna's blue two-tone 1957 Chevy. She was always ready to take them places and spend time together.
The family is now rejoicing at the thought of her heavenly reunion with parents and siblings. She and her sister Sarah are embracing once again with joy and thanksgiving. We give praise for her life and the legacy of love and acceptance she left for us. Praise be to God!
Her family members will attend a private burial at Warwick River Mennonite Church cemetery. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Warwick River Mennonite Church, 250 Lucas Creek Road, Newport News, VA 23602.
Arrangements by W.J. Smith & Son Funeral Home. www.wjsmithandsonfh.com.
https://www.wjsmithandson.com/obituary/myrna-alderfer
Myrna Arlene Alderfer passed away peacefully on January 10, 2022 in Newport News, Virginia. Born in Warwick County on February 7, 1936, Myrna was the third child (second daughter) of Frank and Hilda (Moyer) Alderfer. She was one of six children in the joyful household and delighted in helping her mother and sister care for the younger siblings. She attended the Warwick River Church School through eighth grade before going on to Warwick High School. She graduated from Eastern Mennonite School in 1954. After pursuing several career college classes at VCU, Myrna realized her lifelong love for helping others when she became a certified occupational therapist assistant. She worked for several years at a private psychiatric hospital in Richmond, Virginia, and upon her return to Newport News, she was employed at Dow Chemical. After this, she was a certified occupational therapist assistant for over thirty-five years at Eastern State Hospital in Williamsburg, Virginia, though her natural talent for helping patients made it more a vocation than work. She had a true calling and many times her beloved siblings, nieces, and nephews also benefited from her artistic gifts and generous heart.
Her beautiful Christian spirit was felt by everyone she encountered, and she was a valued and trusted friend to many. And her friendships lasted a lifetime, such was the breadth of her love and care. She was an active, life-long member of Warwick River Mennonite Church and used her gifts to serve others in the church and broader community. Her lemon meringue pies, chocolate silk pies, and pound cakes were well known at fellowship meals, and baking was one of her passions in life.
Myrna was blessed not only with lovely red hair, but with a natural green thumb as well, which she used for cultivating roses, ferns, and lemon trees. She was a member of the Virginia Peninsula Rose Society and showed her own roses, winning prizes for her blooms. Among her favorites was the Perfume Delight rose.
She also loved to travel and in addition to trips within the United States, she enjoyed travel abroad to Europe, particularly Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Holland, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
Beginning in 1997, to coincide with the hundredth anniversary of the Mennonite Colony, she participated in all of the Pieced Together community theater folk operas performed under professional direction at the Yoder Barn in Newport News. She embraced her acting and singing roles with dedication and enthusiasm, and her acting ability lent authenticity to the historical accuracy of the plays.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her elder brother, Richard Alderfer; her elder sister, Sarah Alderfer Weaver; and her sister-in-law, Elaine Alderfer (wife of Harold Alderfer). She was also preceded in death by her nephew, David Alderfer, son of her brother Richard; and by a great-nephew, Derek Blume, son of her niece Twila.
Family meant everything to Myrna and she maintained loving ties to all of her siblings and their children. She is survived by her sister Dorcas (married to Wallace Schaefer); her sister Kathryn (married to Nelson Baer); her brother Harold Alderfer; her brother-in-law Samuel Weaver; and her sister-in-law, Lois Fisher. She will forever be loved by her nephews and nieces: Raymond (Cynthia), Twila (John), James (Karen), Rachel (Loren), Janet, Doris (Steve, dec.), Michael (Rachel), Patricia (Larry), Carol (Glen), Juanita, Jeanette (Lynn), and Jason (Kirsten); and her twenty-five great nephews and nieces: Erich, William, Stephen, Karen, Sarah, Michelle, Jonathan, Julie, Jenna, Jameson, Benjamin, Matthew, Timothy, Paul, James, Nathan, Luke, Marie, Dawn, Anna, Jesse, Ingrid, Grant, Irene, and Sallie.
Many of her nieces and nephews recall from their childhood riding in Aunt Myrna's blue two-tone 1957 Chevy. She was always ready to take them places and spend time together.
The family is now rejoicing at the thought of her heavenly reunion with parents and siblings. She and her sister Sarah are embracing once again with joy and thanksgiving. We give praise for her life and the legacy of love and acceptance she left for us. Praise be to God!
Her family members will attend a private burial at Warwick River Mennonite Church cemetery. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Warwick River Mennonite Church, 250 Lucas Creek Road, Newport News, VA 23602.
Arrangements by W.J. Smith & Son Funeral Home. www.wjsmithandsonfh.com.
https://www.wjsmithandson.com/obituary/myrna-alderfer
Her beautiful Christian spirit was felt by everyone she encountered, and she was a valued and trusted friend to many. And her friendships lasted a lifetime, such was the breadth of her love and care. She was an active, life-long member of Warwick River Mennonite Church and used her gifts to serve others in the church and broader community. Her lemon meringue pies, chocolate silk pies, and pound cakes were well known at fellowship meals, and baking was one of her passions in life.
Myrna was blessed not only with lovely red hair, but with a natural green thumb as well, which she used for cultivating roses, ferns, and lemon trees. She was a member of the Virginia Peninsula Rose Society and showed her own roses, winning prizes for her blooms. Among her favorites was the Perfume Delight rose.
She also loved to travel and in addition to trips within the United States, she enjoyed travel abroad to Europe, particularly Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Holland, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
Beginning in 1997, to coincide with the hundredth anniversary of the Mennonite Colony, she participated in all of the Pieced Together community theater folk operas performed under professional direction at the Yoder Barn in Newport News. She embraced her acting and singing roles with dedication and enthusiasm, and her acting ability lent authenticity to the historical accuracy of the plays.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her elder brother, Richard Alderfer; her elder sister, Sarah Alderfer Weaver; and her sister-in-law, Elaine Alderfer (wife of Harold Alderfer). She was also preceded in death by her nephew, David Alderfer, son of her brother Richard; and by a great-nephew, Derek Blume, son of her niece Twila.
Family meant everything to Myrna and she maintained loving ties to all of her siblings and their children. She is survived by her sister Dorcas (married to Wallace Schaefer); her sister Kathryn (married to Nelson Baer); her brother Harold Alderfer; her brother-in-law Samuel Weaver; and her sister-in-law, Lois Fisher. She will forever be loved by her nephews and nieces: Raymond (Cynthia), Twila (John), James (Karen), Rachel (Loren), Janet, Doris (Steve, dec.), Michael (Rachel), Patricia (Larry), Carol (Glen), Juanita, Jeanette (Lynn), and Jason (Kirsten); and her twenty-five great nephews and nieces: Erich, William, Stephen, Karen, Sarah, Michelle, Jonathan, Julie, Jenna, Jameson, Benjamin, Matthew, Timothy, Paul, James, Nathan, Luke, Marie, Dawn, Anna, Jesse, Ingrid, Grant, Irene, and Sallie.
Many of her nieces and nephews recall from their childhood riding in Aunt Myrna's blue two-tone 1957 Chevy. She was always ready to take them places and spend time together.
The family is now rejoicing at the thought of her heavenly reunion with parents and siblings. She and her sister Sarah are embracing once again with joy and thanksgiving. We give praise for her life and the legacy of love and acceptance she left for us. Praise be to God!
Her family members will attend a private burial at Warwick River Mennonite Church cemetery. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Warwick River Mennonite Church, 250 Lucas Creek Road, Newport News, VA 23602.
Arrangements by W.J. Smith & Son Funeral Home. www.wjsmithandsonfh.com.
https://www.wjsmithandson.com/obituary/myrna-alderfer
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