Melba Rose Harkness

Melba "Rose" Harkness, age 91, departed this life to her eternal reward on Thursday, October 25, 2012. She was born on March 15, 1921 in Hallsville, Texas to Jim and Ada Oney. She lived most of her life in Shreveport and northwest Louisiana, especially where she called home, Marshall Texas.

She was affectionately called by her middle name "Rose" by family and friends. She worked as a waitress for over 50 years and retired after working many years at the Gables Restaurant in Marshall. Rose had a beautiful smile, optimistic attitude, strong Christian values and a work ethic admired by all her knew her. She was a member of the Central Church of Christ. Rose moved to Yuma a year ago to live with her son Carroll and Betsy. The last few months of her life she was a resident of Yuma Life Care Center of Yuma. Rose's family loved and adored her just as she loved and adored them.

Rose is survived by her son, Carroll and Betsy Harkness of Yuma; two brothers, Bill and Jean Oney of Tyler, Texas and Jack and Peggy Oney of Azle, TX. She had 5 granddaughters', Rose and Mack Overton of Poseyville, Indiana, Becky and Mark Rose of Roseville, California, Carol Jean and David Blanton of Astoria Oregon, Melissa and Tom Hopkins of Hawaii and Tabby and Torrin Fannin of Yuma. She also leaves behind 19 great-grandchildren, 5 great great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her special friend Doug Stevison.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, James Elwyn Oney; her sister, Mary Nell Causey and dear friend "Mitch" Mitchell of Marshall. She was a loving and devoted mother and a good friend to many.

A viewing will be held at Funeraria del Angel Monday, October 29th from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m, with services on Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. Officiating will be Reed Lohrenz, minister of the Central Church of Christ. Another service will be conducted later in Marshall, Texas with burial in Longview.