Melba Juanone Washburn

Melba Juanone Colley Washburn went to be with our Lord and Savior on January 14th, 2023. Melba was born to Debs William Colley and Novie Raleigh Colley in Kermit, TX on November 11, 1946. As a child her family knew her as “Nonnie”. Melba graduated from Ector High School in 1965.

Melba followed in her Mother's footsteps as a beautician for Childers and later owned JC Creations in Odessa. After that adventure she went on to work for Hatfield and then retired from Rawson LP.

On December 7, 1970, she married the love of her life, Cecil Washburn. They enjoyed hosting family and friends over for bar-b-ques often and the 4th of July was a special time of year for them! Melba had a love of adventure, her favorite vehicle they owned was a ‘68 Pontiac GTO. She loved going out to the Sandhills in their buggy, many times and memories that are treasured. She loved Cecil and he loved her. A better example of love and commitment in marriage would be hard to find.

Melba loved sewing, playing the piano, listening to music, long talks on the patio, but her passion was horses. Even up to her departure from Earth she talked all the time about horses. She loved barrel racing and horses. Many who knew her, also knew Max. Max was what she called her “heart horse”. She always said if you had a heart horse you were blessed, because they didn’t come around very often. Melba had a personality that was bigger than life. She was a vivid storyteller who had a flair for the dramatic and always kept those around her laughing. Melba loved her kids and grandkids and always wanted them to know Jesus and have a love of animals.

During the latter part of her life Melba survived a battle with Breast Cancer, and then endured several years battling with dementia. During that time her family got to learn about her youth. That time, though hard, was a blessing to be able to learn about her and enjoy her perspective on life’s events. Cecil stood by her side and cared for her. Melba passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family.

Melba is preceded in death by her Father, Debs Colley and Mother, Navie Colley and Brother, Jimmy Ray Colley.

She is survived by her loving husband Cecil Paul Washburn, daughters: Debbie and Husband Steve of Canyon Lake, TX, Tina Knighten and husband Ron Knighten, Angela Morris and husband Russell of Katy, TX and son, Coby Washburn and wife Marca of Rockwall, TX. Grandkids Kaylee Minson and husband Jonathan, Hagen Knighten, Jacob Blomstrom, Kalie Bartholomae and husband Sam, Caden Washburn and Kaysen Washburn. As well as several great grandkids and nieces and nephews, cousins and lifelong friends that were so dear to her.

Services honoring Melba’s life will be at Hubbard Kelly Funeral Home on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 2 PM.