Melba L. Guthrie

Melba Love Guthrie was born on October 23, 1928 in Winters, Texas and peacefully went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 22, 2024. She was the daughter of Orval and Fay Cranford. Melba was the middle child in her family with an older sister LaNita, and younger brother Doyle. During her childhood her family lived in Atherton and Mullen, Texas, where they ranched and farmed.

When Melba was fifteen, her family relocated to Grand Prairie, Texas leaving the family farm behind. At that time with both parents working in the aircraft industry at North American Aviation to support the war efforts in World War II, Melba had an important family role. There was no time for extracurricular activities as she fondly recalled. Coming home after school at Grand Prairie High School, she managed many of the household duties, such as cooking, laundry, and other chores. And despite little outside high school involvement, she was still voted class favorite each year and loved by many.

Melba met the love of her life, Morris Guthrie, during her senior year of high school. Morris had just finished serving in the Navy and the war had just ended. Just six months after graduation, they wed and remained married 66 years. Her adoring husband, Morris, passed away in 2012. Since then, Melba often said that her Mr. G would be the only one for her.

Melba’s first and most important priority was that of taking care of her family and homemaking. She and Morris had four loving children: Greg, Keith, Gena, and Lisa. Melba kept a beautiful home and was well known for her magnificently landscaped yard that she and Morris tended to. And as much as she loved digging and planting in her flower beds, she always had a hot meal prepared for the family and welcoming Sunday lunches. The family shared countless home cooked meals around their loving kitchen table.

With all the children in school, Melba began working outside the home as secretary at the family’s church, Tarrant Road Church of Christ. In 1976, she was offered a job in the Grand Prairie ISD as a middle school secretary, and in just a few years she went on to the administration building to work for Mr. Hobbs Williams, who later became the superintendent. Melba worked for several successive superintendents and with each one she would try to step down to a lesser position. But each one asked her to stay on and made sure she had the incentives and salaries to do so. After 26 years she retired from Grand Prairie ISD in 2002 with a beautiful reception that was full of honor and praise for her outstanding service.

Soon after retirement, her husband Morris was challenged with many heath issues. Melba put her love into action while faithfully and meticulously caring for him. After Morris passed in 2012, Melba filled her days with gardening, reading her bible, and spending time with friends and family. One of her favorite pastimes was watching the Texas Rangers, so imagine her joy when they clenched the World Series last year.

In January of 2023 after 60 years, Melba left her home she dearly loved and moved to Christian Care in Mesquite, Texas. That was not a move she wanted to make, but she did so with courage, dignity, and a positive attitude. Once settled in her apartment which overlooked a golf course, distant trees and beautiful sunrises, her family witnessed a renewed energy and spirit. She embraced the campus church fellowship, made new friends, enjoyed her special caregivers, and wouldn’t miss out on any group activities.

Being part of a Christian community was of upmost importance to Melba. She was a long-time member of the Tarrant Road/Turnpike Church of Christ in Grand Prairie, North Davis Church of Christ in Arlington, and Christian Care Church of Christ in Mesquite.

Melba will be sorely missed by all. Her middle name was Love and she lived it out with her Christian faith integrating into every part of her life. She was an intentional listener, a wise counselor, a loyal friend, and a gracious lady, a one-of-a-kind example of a godly woman, wife, and mother. She is survived by her four children, Greg Guthrie and wife Mary Anne Flournoy Guthrie, Keith Guthrie and wife Sheri Hudson Guthrie, Gena Guthrie Johnson and husband Bryan Johnson, and Lisa Guthrie Johnson.

Grandchildren Ben Guthrie, Gavin Guthrie, Ashley Guthrie, Rachel Guthrie Johnson and husband Jason Johnson, David Guthrie, Brennen Johnson and wife Francesca, Blayne Johnson, and Grace Guthrie Hillestad and husband Ryan. Great grandchildren Lucy Johnson, Carson Johnson, Sebastian Guthrie, Annie Hillestad, Cooper Hillestad, Brody Johnson, and Ellen Hillestad.

She was preceded in death by husband Morris Guthrie, and granddaughters Anne Guthrie and Blakely Johnson.

In Lieu of Flowers Donations can be made in Melba's memory to Christian Care Bentley Campus

Checks made me made out to:

Christian Care/Bentley Campus

1000 Wiggins Pkwy

Mesquite, TX 75150

In Memory of Melba Guthrie

Choose one from below and note in memo of check:

Christian Care Church of Christ

Bentley Caregivers

Bentley Activities

The staff at Moore Funeral Home encourages family and friends to express their fond memories, expressions of sympathy and additional condolences to the family of Melba L. Guthrie, by visiting www.moore-funeralhome.com.

A visitation for Melba will be held Tuesday, May 28, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at North Davis Church of Christ, 1601 N. Davis Drive., Arlington, Texas 76012. A funeral service will occur Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 11:00 AM, 1601 N. Davis Drive, Arlington, Texas 76012. A committal service will occur Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at Moore Memorial Gardens 1219 N. Davis Drive, Arlington, Texas 76012