November 3, 1923 – January 7, 2022
Melba Catherine Stephenson, 98, Sheridan, passed away at Copper Trace of Westfield on Friday morning, January 7, 2022. Born on November 3, 1923, in Muncie, Ind., she was the daughter of the late Cloa Allen “Cy” and Mary Reba (Rees) Young.
After graduating from Sheridan High School with the Class of 1942, Melba entered the workforce. She worked in retail for several years with various companies, including Elliott Pharmacy, L. S. Ayers, and Ben Franklin. She also worked in the communications field as both a switchboard operator and office worker with the phone company. Melba loved helping her husband Bud take care of things on the farm. She instantly fell in love with the heavy machinery, learning everything she could about operating the combine and tractor, and once she was in the driver’s seat, it was hard to get her out. She also liked the small equipment and found just about any reason she could to get out and do some mowing and cutting.
Melba loved to travel. Heading to Colorado to visit family was always a welcomed trip, as were her trips to visit her son while he lived in Virginia. She enjoyed passing the time doing word searches and crossword puzzles and never turned down an invitation to play cards. However, when the Pacers or Colts were playing, they had her undivided attention. Everything else could wait until the game was over (or at least until halftime).
Melba had a great appreciation for music. She enjoyed playing the piano and organ and enjoyed both listening to and playing gospel music. Her strong faith led her throughout her life. She was an active member of the Sheridan First United Methodist Church, where she belonged to the Ladies’ Aid Circle. Melba loved to cook and was always at the ready to help whenever there was a dinner at the church. Her famous chicken and noodles were always a favorite.
Family was always first and foremost in Melba’s life. She loved spending time with her grandson and her nieces and nephews.
Melba is survived by her son, Robert Dale Stephenson of Sheridan; grandson, Micah Carr of Pendleton; sister-in-law, Loretta M. Young of Sheridan, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Marsha Kay Carr; daughter-in-law, Barbara Jean Stephenson; brother, Gayle Young; sisters- and brothers-in-law, Mary E. Young, and Marilyn Bailey Young, Lena Holliday and husband Morton, Thelma Eytcheson and husband Red, Jean King and husband Bill, and Marge Todd and husband Jim; her feline BFF, Star; and by her loving husband, Lawrence “Bud” Stephenson on February 7, 2001. She and Bud were married on April 11, 1942.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at Kercheval Funeral Home, 306 E. 10th St., Sheridan, with Visitation from 11 a.m. until the time of Service. Burial will follow at Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan. Pastor John Meunier will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be presented to the Sheridan First United Methodist Church.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com