Melba Juanita Friend

Melba Juanita Friend, daughter of Derrel and Betty (DeLashmutt) Friend, was born on October 19, 1957 in Mtn. Grove, Missouri, and departed this life on March 9, 2007 at her residence in Mtn. Grove, at 49 years of age.
Melba grew up and attended school in Mtn. Grove and moved to Springfield, Missouri in the early 1980’s. She spent most of her adult life in Springfield and moved back to Mtn. Grove in 2002 to be closer to her family when her health started failing. She enjoyed being outdoors, especially when swimming, fishing or just hanging out with her nieces and nephews. She loved spending time with them and they loved their “Aunt Melba.” She also enjoyed singing until her health started failing and wouldn’t allow her to sing anymore.
Melba rededicated her life to the Lord on August 28, 2005. She was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, and friend. She will be greatly missed and remembered by those whom she left behind.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents: Mont and Ina Friend and Lloyd and Lottie Culver.
Melba is survived by her parents: Derrel and Betty Friend of Mtn. Grove; two brothers: Webb Friend and his wife, Becky, and Joe Friend, all of Mtn. Grove; two sisters: Sharon Moore and her husband, J.B., of Mesa, Arizona, and Marcia Davidson and her husband, Pete, of Norwood, Missouri; several nieces; nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Melba Friend were held Tuesday, March 13, 2:00 PM in the Dawson Assembly of God Church with Rev. Bill Morris officiating. Ray Bradley and Jonathan Friend served as singers. David Gourley served as musician. Song selections were “Amazing Grace,” “Build My Mansion,” and “When I Get Where I’m Going.” Pallbearers were Jonathan Friend, David Friend, Shad Friend, Jordan Davidson, Montie Friend, Clinton Snider, and Jim Moore. Burial was in the Friendship Cemetery under the direction of the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mtn. Grove, Missouri.
Memorials/Contributions:
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the family in care of the funeral home.