Melinda Yetta Carper

Melinda Yetta Carper, a beloved and gentle woman, entered into Heaven's gates on November 15, 2025, at the age of 81. Born on September 27, 1944, she made her home in Papillion, Nebraska and then enjoyed her final years in Fernandina Beach, Florida, carrying with her a life marked by resilience, devotion, and quiet strength.

Melinda grew up in Texas and later graduated from John Handley High School in Winchester, Virginia. It was there she met and fell head over heels in love with her high school sweetheart, John Stewart Carper Jr., a proud student of rival James Wood High School. They were married on May 12, 1962. A gifted ballerina with dreams of being a Rockette, Melinda carried grace within her from a young age.

Melinda devoted her life to her family, creating a warm, loving home while her husband served in the United States Air Force. Together, they embraced the adventures of military life, with their first assignment in Biloxi, Mississippi, then raising their children across Nebraska, North Carolina, Texas, England, New York, and Virginia before ultimately returning to Nebraska for retirement. Her husband passed away far too soon and Melinda spent the rest of her days spoiling her 4 grandchildren. Melinda thrived as a military spouse; steadfast, nurturing, and wholeheartedly committed to her family’s happiness.

She was a cherished wife to John Carper Jr., a loving mother to Lynn, John (Jay) and wife Shellie, and George (Scotty) Carper, and a proud Mamaw to Stephanie and husband Alex, Travis Miles, Ashley and husband Cameron, and Jason Carper. Her joy multiplied with her great-grandchildren, Landon and Tanner Miles, Adalyn and Carson Opfer, each of whom she adored. Melinda was the daughter of George and Polly Williams, and the oldest sister of Pamela Carper, George Williams, and Amanda Roeschke.

Above all, Melinda’s greatest passion was being a Mamaw. She found beauty in simple things, the color purple, butterflies, owls, and snowmen. She taught Sunday School to young children and faithfully served in Vacation Bible School every year. A talented pianist, she loved playing alongside her grandchildren and was known for her unforgettable pecan pie. She also enjoyed square dancing and was an accomplished bridge player, sharing laughter and friendship wherever she went.

Deeply rooted in her faith, Melinda was active in children’s and women’s ministries at her church. She lived with a heart for service and a sincere desire to share God’s love. Known affectionately as everyone’s Mamaw, her kindness touched countless lives, and her unwavering faith shaped every step of her journey.

Melinda is survived by her daughter, Lynn Carper, sons, John (Shellie) Carper III and George Carper; grandchildren, Stephanie (Alex) Pflipsen, Travis Miles, Ashley (Cameron) Opfer, and Jason Carper; great grandchildren Landon, Tanner, Adalyn and Carson and her 3 siblings, nieces and nephews.

Melinda is now happily reunited in Heaven with her husband, John S. Carper Jr., and her parents, George R. and Polly C. Williams.

A visitation will be held at Kahler Dolce Mortuary, 441 North Washington Street, Papillion, Nebraska, on November 29, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. A committal service will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Papillion.

Melinda’s life was a beautiful tapestry of love, faith, and family—perfectly reflected in her favorite scripture, Romans 8:28: “All things work together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose."