Melba P. Wrisley, 97, of Fox Run Road in Elizabethtown passed away Thursday December 3, 2015 at Meadowbrook Healthcare Facility in Plattsburgh. She was born in Wadhams on May 8, 1918 daughter of Logan and sue (Sayre) Phinney.
Melba graduated from Plattsburgh Normal School in 1939. She was a teacher for 29 years beginning in Deerhead District School; Cortland, NY; and Elizabethtown-Lewis Central School. Many local residents had the privilege of having Melba as their teacher and many continued to visit Melba and reminisce. Melba was very civic minded. She was an active member of United Church of Christ Church, a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Elizabethtown-Westport Garden Club, on the Library board, enjoyed annual lunches with the New York State Retired Teachers, and volunteered for a number of community organizations. Melba co-authored Growing Up Strong, part of a Joan Potter’s writing group.
Melba loved her family and hosted many family gatherings over the years. She loved entertaining and hosting many groups of people, the more the merrier. Her many hobbies included cooking; collecting cookbooks; traveling; including five trips to California, Hawaii and England; and scrapbook collection and chronicling local events since 1940.
Melba is survived by her son; Calvin of Elizabethtown, sisters in law Christine Phinney, Esther Smith, many nieces, nephews and also many special friends. She is predeceased by her parents, her husband, Elverton Wrisley, two brothers; Clayton (Stella) and Logan Phinney; one sister Ruth (Rod) Kermani; brother in law Alton (Marie) Wrisley, sister in law; Elizabeth (Earl) Dougan.
Calling hours will be from 2:00 to 4:00 PM Sunday December 6, 2015 at Marvin-Heald Funeral Home, 7521 Court Street, Elizabethtown. A funeral service will held 11:00 AM Monday December 7, 2015 at United Church of Christ in Elizabethtown, with Rev. Fred Shaw officiating. Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery in Elizabethtown.
Donations in Melba’s memory may be made to the United Church of Christ in Elizabethtown or Elizabethtown-Lewis Rescue Squad.
To light a memorial candle or leave an online condolence please visit
www.healdfuneralhomeinc.com