Myrtle Van Der Wiel

Myrtle Eleanor Van der Wiel was born April 30, 1954 in Princeton, West Virginia to parents Leslie and Bertha Cecil. She was a coalminer's daughter and a West Virginian through and through. She had a career as a special education teacher and was a passionate fundraiser, advocate, and voice for the homeless. Some of her many hobbies included being a chess coach and tournament organizer for kids, a Pokémon aficionado and a master doll maker. She also was a Beanie Baby entrepreneur and an EBay trend spotter. Myrtel was a Tae Kwon Do brown belt and known as "Akeela" the Cub Scout Den Leader. She was also Bill W.'s friend for 42 years. Myrtel was an amazing Christian woman who passed away on August 7, 2016 and will be greatly missed by those who knew and loved her. She is survived by Jacob to whom she was a loving mother, her husband and devoted partner John and her favorite loyal companions Pedro, Percy and Plato. She was the best ever sister to Judy, Linda, Vivian, Jean, Nancy, Karen, Alfred, and Jimmy and many loving nieces and nephews. There will be an Evening of Remembrance on Friday, August 12, 2016 at 7:00 pm at Allen Family Funeral Options. Words of Remembrance will be shared at that time and the family will visit following the service. If desired, contributions may be made in her name to the National Coalition for the Homeless, 2201 P Street, NW Washington, DC 20037 or https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/nationalhomeless, or www.nationalhomeless.org. www.nationalhomeless.org or Text NCH to 85944 and reply YES to make a $10 donation.