Melba Irene Witthuhn, age 94, died on January 25, 2022, at Cedar Village Long Term Care, Ness City, Kansas. She was born on May 15, 1927, on the family farm, east of Bazine, Kansas, the daughter of Harley and Mamie (Ryersee) Price.
Melba attended Red Star Country School through 3rd grade, Bazine Grade School and graduated from Bazine High School in 1945. She attended Fort Hays State College 1945-1946.
Melba married Verlyn F. Witthuhn on June 3, 1947, at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Bazine. He preceded her in death on April 2, 2020, after 72 years of marriage.
Melba was a member of the St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, Ladies Aid and Choir, SAI Music Fraternity, Ness County Home Extension, and the American Legion Auxiliary. Melba was a soloist for weddings, graduations and Memorial Day services.
Melba was a farmer’s wife, homemaker, mom, grandma and great grandma. She lived her life always thinking and taking care of others first. She brought happiness to others with her smile and positive attitude. Melba enjoyed spending time with family, square dancing, tending her peony and rose garden, camping and traveling with Verlyn.
Melba is survived by her three children and spouses, Verlene (Gayle) Miller, Bentonville, Arkansas; Arlen (Michele) Witthuhn, Bazine; and Sharlitta (John) Johnson, Topeka; four grandchildren, Kimberly Rossman, Tulsa, Oklahoma; Jason (Jenny) Miller, Bentonville; Brianne Johnson, Topeka and McKenzie Johnson, Kansas City; four great granddaughters, Harley and Brinna Rossman, and Jules and Jess Miller.
Funeral service will be on Monday, January 31, 2022, 11:00 A.M., at the Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Ness City, Kansas. Burial in the Bazine Cemetery, Bazine, Kansas. Visitation will be one hour before service time. The family kindly requests those in attendance to please wear a mask.
Memorial contributions may be given to the Cedar Village, Bazine Cemetery Fund, or Bazine Fire Department.