Melba Naef Larsen, age 85, passed away on August 21, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. She was born on November 17, 1936 in Franklin, Idaho to Ella and Orin Douglas Naef. Melba attended Preston High School. She married Baxter Ivy Deal on March 23, 1956 in Mountain Home, Idaho.
How do you put 85 years of incredible memories into a few paragraphs honoring this beautiful soul... The answer is, "You can't!"
Melba loved and enjoyed so many things, like softball, hummingbirds, and her favorite horse (Trix). She loved the sun and always enjoyed being outside tending to her yard and flower gardens.
No one can deny that Melba was an incredible cook. She was often asked to share her recipes, but because she never measured or followed a recipe, it was impossible to duplicate her skills. Although, many have tried and some have even come close.
Melba was a wife and mother, first and foremost. She loved her children unconditionally, and trust me they challenged her on the daily. She was the kindest, most generous mother and grandmother. Melba would always leave her children knowing that doing the right thing is the only way to do something! She was a fantastic listener! She would sit in a room filled with stories and chatter often just to listen, only to hear the stories years later where the kids would give their version (not matching, of course) and Melba would chime in with, "OH NO, THAT IS NOT HOW THE STORY WENT." And she would proceed to tell the story EXACTLY how it went, and of course Melba was always right.
Melba enjoyed playing board games with family, especially YAHTZEE!!! Just before every roll, she would talk to the dice and, believe it or not, they seemed to listen. We know, because she always got what she asked for. She also enjoyed the game Sorry. When she drew the card to send you home, she would just giggle, because she was NEVER sorry to send you home. Melba was ultra competitive and always wanted to win.
Melba also enjoyed a 27 year career with O.C. Tanner Company as a merchandise supervisor. She was admired by her peers for her thoughtfulness and admiration toward her coworkers. She was often referred to as the energizer bunny for her work ethic and dedication.
Melba was very funny and was always making others laugh. She was a true joy to be around.
Melba was the queen of the Franklin, Idaho Pioneer Day celebration in 1955.
She was loved and adored by all who were blessed to know her.
She was, and forever will be, "our queen."
Melba is survived by her 5 children; Kathy Lee (Carl), Jack Deal (Kaylene), Carrie Zach (Jeff), Valerie Wilde (Mike), and Toni Barlow (Chris). She has 14 grandkids and 22 great-grandkids.
She was and will ALWAYS BE “Simply the BEST”.
