Melba Kelley

Melba J. Kelley, 79, of Milton, passed away at 9:37 PM, Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at St. John’s Hospital in Springfield.

She was born on March 8, 1941, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, the daughter of William and Gladys (O’Dell) Usery.  She married John C. Kelley in 1977 in St. Louis, Missouri and he preceded her in death in December 1981.

Surviving are two sons Joe Kelley and wife Dianne of Springfield and John Kelley and wife Terese of Olmstead Falls, Ohio, three grandchildren Gregg Walrod , Abigail Kelley and Logan Kelley, two sisters Sandra Kay Smith and husband Robert of Wentzville, Missouri and Bonnie Scarpate and husband Jerry of Melbourne, Florida, one sister-in-law Veronica Usery of Oklahoma, and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one brother George Usery and one sister Faye Thomas.

Melba grew up in Searcy Arkansas.  Later moving to Missouri with her two sons, Joe and John.  She earned her Registered Nursing degree and work in a children’s psychiatric hospital and worked several years as a Nanny.  After she retired, she decided to leave the city for a quieter life in Milton.  Melba loved to craft, sew, and work with stained glass, as she made several beautiful pieces.  She had a quirky-off beat sense of humor and loved Science Fiction.  Especially Dr. Who and Red Dwarf.  Mostly Melba like to read.  Her motto was, books, books, and more books.  Melba will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

Private family services will be held at a later date.  Memorials are suggested to  American Diabetes Association.