Melba McDowell

Melba E. McDowell, 77, of Bucyrus died Sunday morning, July 10, 2011 at Heartland of Marysville.

She was born in Bucyrus June 20, 1934 to the late Mearl and Naomi (Ahlefeld) Wilt. She graduated from Holmes-Liberty in 1953 and married Robert McDowell on September 25, 1954. They shared nearly 49 years of marriage before his death in August 2003.

Melba is survived by two daughters, Valerie (Dan) Dodge of Milford Center and Shelly (Tom) Harstine of Bucyrus; two grandchildren, Kyle & Maria Harstine; step grandchild, Amber (James) West and their daughter, Aaliyah; and sister, Shirley Wood.In addition to her parents and husband, Melba was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Lou Reber.

Melba could be opinionated, yet was very generous with what she had and willing to help those in need. She enjoyed visiting and eating out with friends and family. When home, she could be found quilting or watching Oprah or the Ohio State Buckeyes on TV. She studied at the Tiffin Beauty Academy, finishing in 1983, worked as a school bus driver for Bucyrus and Wynford and started the Ohio Rodeo for High School Students along with her husband in 1980. Melba had been a member of Harmony UMC since 1949 and recently attended Wayside Chapel. She was a former member of Jack & Jill's Mothers Club and The Sociables in Mansfield.

A graveside memorial service will be officiated by Rev. Tim Compton at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 14 in Oakwood Cemetery where friends may gather beginning at 1:15.

Memorial contributions may be given to Wise Funeral Service, who assisted the family with arrangements, toward the purchase of a memorial stone.



Service:

1:30 p.m. Thursday, July 14, 2011

Oakwood Cemetery



Cemetery:

Oakwood Cemetery