Melba H. Bruce, 88, of Richmond, passed away on August 10, 2014. She was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas, where she was the only daughter of Claude and Carrie Vanderslice. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Arthur F. Bouton, Max Hickman, and Robert Bruce. She was a devoted housewife and mother to her two surviving sons, Joel Hickman (wife, Elsa) of Columbus, Ohio and Clifton Hickman (wife, Cinda), of Richmond, Virginia. Her passions were travel, golf, and bridge. In addition to her sons, she is survived by five grandchildren, Elizabeth Hickman, Allison Hickman, Meredith Hickman Laginess, Sarah Hickman, and Monica Hickman and one great-granddaughter, Charlotte Laginess. She was a member of the Neptune Society and her ashes will be laid to rest at sea in a private celebration of life ceremony by her family. Arrangements under the direction of Nelsen Funeral Home & Crematory, Richmond, VA.
