Melba Alice Hays was lovingly brought into this world in Unionville, Missouri, on March 5, 1939 by the hands of her grandmother Laura Alice (Ratliff) Davis and was carried out by the angels of God on Sunday, May 5, 2013 at Samaritan Hospital in Macon, Missouri. Melba’s parents were Gail Elmer Mullenix and Alice (Davis) Mullenix who preceded her in death. Also a brother, Roger Gail Mullenix preceded her.

Melba graduated from Unionville High School in 1956 and attended Kirksville State Teachers College, now Truman State. After one year, she moved to Kansas City and worked there at Kansas City Life Insurance Co. until moving back to this area with her husband.

On November 28, 1958 Melba married her soul-mate, John Walter Hays (J.W.) who preceded her in death on April 12, 2011.

Left to cherish her memories are two sons and their spouses: Mickey Walter Hays and Christina, and Britt Gail Hays and Jane, three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, and one step-great grandchild. Other survivors are sisters-in-law, Nancy Mullenix, Betty Jo Williams, Barbara Hamilton, Shirley Weber and brother-in-law, Ron Weber. She was also preceded in death by brothers-in-law, Willis Williams, Ronnie Hamilton, and several nieces and nephews.

Melba started working as head bookkeeper at P.E. Jepson Lumber Co. in 1968 while her husband was manager. Then in 1983 they purchased the company and Melba held that position until her retirement.

She loved to decorate their home, loved to garden and do yard work, play and sing her music; and most of all, loved to cater to her sons and grandkids. She enjoyed her many friends and once a friend, it was forever. Melba & J.W. loved and enjoyed each and every one of their pets that have made their home with them through the years.

They loved to travel and enjoyed seeing different parts of the world. J.W. and Melba visited many islands, seven countries, Hawaii, and almost all of the other United States. Melba always said “Go with the Flow” God is taking care of it. “He takes care of us in spite of ourselves.” She felt God blessing her in everyday life.

Melba obeyed God’s calling and when she was twenty-five years old, was baptized and born again as one of God’s children. Her faith, her family, and a good work ethic were the priorities of her life. At the time of her passing, she was a member of Crossroads Christian Church in Macon, MO.

Public visitation will be held Wednesday (May 8, 2013) with family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the chapel of Travis-Noe Funeral Home in Kirksville.

Funeral service will be held 1:00 p.m. Thursday (May 9, 2013) at Travis-Noe Funeral Home, with Minister Matt Steiger officiating. Interment will follow the service at Park View Memorial Gardens in Kirksville, MO.

Pallbearers will be Shane Weber, Shannon Weber, Kurt Hamilton, Kevin Hamilton, Michael Shad Hays and Andrew Walter Hays.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Melba Hays may be made to Shiloh Children’s Christian Ranch or to the Central Christian College of the Bible. Memorials may be left at or mailed to Travis-Noe Funeral Home, P.O. Box 306, Kirksville, MO 63501.