Obituary of Myrtle L. Rist

OLMSTEDVILLE: Myrtle L. Rist, 80, of Church Rd., passed away peacefully, Sunday, June 15, 2025 at Elderwood at North Creek following a long illness.

Born June 28, 1944 in Bakers, Mills, she was the daughter of the late George and Ona (Allen) Dunkley.

As a young woman, Myrtle left Bakers Mills to move with her aunt in Toms River, to try life in New Jersey. Following the move, she met Earl Rist and the couple wed shortly thereafter which led to 35 years of married life.  She was a dedicated, lifelong waitress at Pal’s Restaurant in Bloomfield. She and her husband developed a passion for Standard Poodles and spent many years raising and showing them.

After Earl’s passing in 2006, she moved to Glens Falls to be closer to her family. She continued her love for poodles and through dog shows, she met her best friends Joan Janssen and Erin Pecina. While Myrtle lived in Glens Falls, her neighbor Del was a loyal friend who always looked out for her. Besides spending time with her family, she also enjoyed taking her beloved poodles to the vet at Countryside Veterinary Clinic, as well as going out to eat at her favorite restaurant, Talk of the Town.

In January 2024, she made another move to Olmstedville to be closer to her niece and nephew, Kim and Doug McCall. Kim may have been her niece, but Myrtle loved her like a daughter. She lived the remainder of her life in the care of Kim and Doug, as well as her wonderful caregivers, Betty, Caroline, Elaine, and Shannon. Their compassionate care made Myrtle’s final years comfortable.

Besides her parents and beloved husband, Earl, she is predeceased by her brothers, George and Nathanial Dunkley; sisters-in-law, Barbara Dunkley and Judy Dunkley.

She is survived by her brother, Seth Dunkley and his wife, Lois of Bakers Mills; niece, Kim McCall and her husband, Doug of North Creek; her stepson, Robert Rist and his wife, Cindy of NJ; stepdaughter Barbara; step-grandchildren, Pamela and Andrew; as well as several nieces and nephews.

At Myrtle’s request, there are no calling hours scheduled.

Services will be conducted privately at the convenience of her family.

Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guest book and condolences.