Melba W. McClanahan, 85, died at the Kirkwood House Nursing Home Wakefield, wednesday after a lengthy illness. Born in Keakuk Iowa, she graduated from Ft. Madison High Keakuk, class of 1939. She was an executive secretary at the Central Inteligence Agency in the 1940's, then with the Postmaster General Office in the 1950's, and later at Hancomb Air Force Base, Bedford MA, until she retired in 1980. She earned her private plane pilot's license while she was in Washington. Melba had resided in Belmont prior to moving to Melrose in 1955. She was the wife of the late Robert D. McClanahan. Mother of Kelly L. Curtis and her husband Glenn of Melrose, Robert McClanahan of Haverhill and the late Patrick McClanahan. Grandmother of Kendra Curtis of Melrose, Adam Curtis of CA, Ryan McClanahan of Belmont, Starr, Christopher & Nick McClanahan of CA. Daughter of the late Charles and Georgia ( Snyder ) Wilhelm. Sister of the late John, Vernette and Marshall Wilhelm, Vi Barnes and Elaine Boyer. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held in Belmont Cemetery, at a time to be announced. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Alzheimer's Association, 36 Cameron Ave., Cambridge , 02140 or to the charity of your choice Arrangements by the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W Foster St, Melrose. Visitation: No Visitation No Visitation Funeral Service: No Service Friday, April 2, 2004 No Service