Melba "Dusty" Lavern Thanner

December 12, 1938 – January 25, 2026

Melba Lavern “Dusty” Thanner passed away January 25, 2026, at the age of 87.

Dusty was born in Maple Springs, Arkansas on December 12, 1938. She was the first of 5 children born to Sidney F. Green and Edduth L Slatton-Green. At about 5, her parents and 2 siblings moved to Imperial, California with Sid going to work on a farm to start a new life. Soon 2 more siblings joined the family. As the oldest, she helped her parents care for her siblings with guidance growing up and nurturing their spiritual growth.

Dusty enjoyed school and made good grades. She started to attend Church. She found a creative side and wrote the lyrics, created the music and sang it in her 8th grade play. In high school, she continued to excel in academics & creativity and acted in her Junior & Senior plays and graduated with a high GPA from Imperial High School in 1957. She then took college courses in bookkeeping, photography & communication, where each would prove useful in later pursuits.

As a teenager, she worked in retail to help with family finances and gained experience. At another job she worked for a federal agency, processing temporary agriculture laborers as contract workers. She also worked for other farming businesses.

Sometime later she would find her soulmate and husband, Gene Thanner, and would move with him to his new automotive business to the SF bay area. There Dusty trained military personnel in office operations at Mare Island Naval Station in Oakland. She also worked as a secretary at Corbin Christian High School and so impressed the students that they dedicated their annual yearbook to her.

After many years and nearing Gene’s retirement, they moved back to Southern California. She started a bookkeeping/management service in Alpine & Pine Valley area. They made many friends through work, volunteering and active Church participation.

Dusty is survived by her sister, Veda Y. Hale, her brother, Troy JD Green, (Gloria), sister-in-law, Paula Green, many nephews & nieces. She was pre-deceased by her brothers, Omer S. Green (2023) and M. Perry Green (2025).

Throughout her adult life, Dusty actively volunteered in Church, civic and professional organizations. As a youth, she was active in the Venture Club, a business/social group. For over 7 years with Pine Valley Fire Dept.as a photographer, her photos documented their heroic efforts, and some were published in CSFA magazine. She held several active positions with Pine Valley Improvement Club. She was a Retired Senior Volunteer Patrol member, assisting with traffic & YANA contact for San Diego Sheriff’s Office. She volunteered, held positions & helped Pine Valley PTA, Friends of PV Library, SD County Senior Lunch program, Mt. Empire Little League, CWC & PV Book Club.

As a 33+ year member of Pine Valley Community Church, she actively served in 12 voluntary positions. As Historian, Dusty wrote the history of PVCC (20 years) and PV Bible Camp (50 years). She was also “Sunshine Girl” & Greeter, which almost always meant giving everyone a hug.

Someone once said, “A smile is a sign of Joy, a laugh is a sign of Happiness, and a hug is a sign of Love.” To many, Dusty’s most memorable life activity was to share the love of Jesus Christ and give everyone a “hug”.