Melba W. Wilson Williams, 96, formerly of Wabash, Indiana, died at 6:25 p.m., Sunday, June 11, 2017 at Lutheran Hospital, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. She was born September 25, 1920 in Converse, Indiana to John Charles and Esther (Darby) Petterson.
Melba was a 1938 Converse High School graduate. She first married Miles L. Wilson in Warsaw, Indiana on December 25, 1942; he died April 12, 1983. She then married Howard Williams in Wabash on November 23, 1985; he died November 18, 1994. She owned and operated Melba’s Beauty Salon from 1957-1985. Melba was a member of the Wabash Christian Church, where she was a former member of the Martha Circle. She also was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star #90, Wabash Garden Club, Past Matron and Past Officer of White Shrine, and was former member of the Business and Professional Women’s Association.
She is survived by her son, James W. (Patricia J.) Wilson of Elwood, Indiana, three grandchildren, Stacey (Tom) Mangas of Fort Wayne, Jamie T. (Kirk) Flanagan and Stephanie (Jason) Russ both of Fishers, Indiana, three sisters, Katie (Walter) Balg of Kokomo, Indiana, Madonna (Paul) Bender of Ocala, Florida, and Carolyn (Jack) Vrooman of Wabash. She was also preceded in death by her parents, son, John L. Wilson, two brothers, and two sisters.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Saturday, June 24, 2017 at Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, 1241 Manchester Avenue, Wabash, with Rev. Haley Asberry officiating. Burial will be in Falls Cemetery, Wabash. Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.
Preferred memorial is Wabash Christian Church.
The memorial guest book for Melba may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.