Myrtle Arlene Adams, 88, entered peacefully into the presence of her Lord on February 21, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Her life was marked by unwavering faith, steadfast devotion to her family, and a lifelong commitment to global missions.
Born on May 10, 1937, in Cape Town, South Africa, to missionary parents Clyde, Sr. and Viola Wildhagen, Myrtle was raised with a deep understanding of faith and service. At the age of 16, she moved to the United States, where she completed her foundational education. At 21, she married the love of her life, Leroy Sherman Adams, Jr. One year later the young couple moved to East Africa—settling in Eritrea—where Myrtle began what would become a lifelong missionary calling.
Over the decades, Myrtle and Leroy faithfully lived and served in Eritrea, Ethiopia, the United States, Nigeria, Ghana, Ukraine, and Egypt. Their ministry extended beyond these homes to England, Italy, and several additional African nations. Through seasons of challenge and change, Myrtle remained resolute in her calling, supporting and advancing gospel work across continents with grace, courage, and perseverance.
Myrtle’s greatest earthly joy was her family. She was a devoted mother to her five children: Marie Lynn Adams; Melvin Leroy Adams Sr. and his wife Sandy; Arlene Jean Stence; Edith Ruth Anthony and her husband John; and Lowell Alan Adams and his wife Robin. She was a proud grandmother to 19 grandchildren and a delighted great-grandmother to 46 great-grandchildren, each of whom she cherished deeply.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Clyde, Sr. and Viola Wildhagen; her brother, Clyde Junior; her beloved husband, Leroy Sherman Adams, Jr.; her husband’s siblings, Dale Adams and Joanne Hobbs; and her son-in-law, Luis Stence.
Myrtle’s interests reflected the richness of her life. She loved her family, global missions, world news, and thoughtful engagement with conservative politics. She was faithful to her local church and found joy in simple pleasures—board games around the table, WordSearch puzzles, tending her garden, and especially cultivating her beautiful flowers. Above all, she devoted herself daily to Scripture reading and prayer, walking closely with the God she knew and trusted.
Those who knew Myrtle remember her steady faith, quiet strength, thoughtful mind, and enduring love. She faced life’s challenges with conviction and peace, anchored in her trust in the God of salvation.
She leaves behind a legacy of faith that spans generations and continents. This is clearly seen in the hundreds of messages received from friends around the world. Though she will be deeply missed, her family rejoices in the assurance that she is now in the presence of Jesus, her Savior, whom she served so faithfully throughout her life.
A visitation will be held on Sunday March 1, 2026 from 5:00-8:00pm at Mountain Road GMC; 1532 Mountain Road, Middleburg, PA 17842. A second visitation will take place on Monday March 2, 2026 from 10:00 – 11:00am before funeral services begin at 11:00am.
Livestream is available at: www.mountainroadgmc.org
Funeral services are in the care of Neill Funeral Home, Camp Hill, PA. Please visit our website www.neillcamphill.com to leave condolences.
