Melba was our adopted Grandmother at American Chartered Bank. Her smile and positive disposition lit up a room. Melba would glow when talking about her Family and I loved hearing her life experiences throughout the years. Thoughts and Prayers to her Family. I will always remember Melba.

My twin aunts have been part of my life for as long as I can remember, and each of them provided a mom-substitute for me when my Mom died.  Auntie Melba was the "hostess with the mostest" to my family and friends here in California.  She cherished my friendship with her and made me feel special!  To me, she provided support, encouragement, a shoulder to cry on, a hug, a cup of coffee, a sympathetic ear, kind and loving counsel, a game to wile away the hours, and her stories.  I will miss my Aunt and will look forward to meeting up with my friend again!  My prayers for comfort are with my extended Chicago family.  Bonnie Gustavson (Corona, California)

Auntie Melba always told me how special I was and she always made me feel so loved and wanted. She was like that. Kind, loving and no matter what you had done or said in your life, she was always there with loving, positive words. I always thought she was a woman of such strength, and she carried herself with an air of class and elegance that I always admired and told her so when we would talk.
I am sad she had left this earth, but I know she is in a better place now and that she is once again walking tall and with purpose and grace. I love you, Auntie, and know I will see you again. I'm sure our Heavenly Father has greeted you with open arms and has said, "Welcome, my faithful child". Until we meet again.... I love you.

Patti,

I do remember you mom.  She was a great friend of Louie and Evelyn Knol, who were my parents.  There were many times when they would go out for their Saturday night dinners.  Melba will always be remember by our family.  My sympathy to you on your loss.  Joan Widok

It was certainly my honor to know Melba and to grieve for her also. She was a special friend to my mom who preceded her to God's home. May our Lord be with you in your sorrow but rest in the knowledge that she will be happy in heaven. 

Vicky Severson

My Heart sank this morning this morning when I received the news. We have to go thru our lives without you being by our side.
But Melba gets to see Her Father, and Mother, John again, Flora and many more that we are not ready yet to see.
We will be by your side once again and get to see that Big Big smile that has always been there.
Thank you for being part of my life Auntie Melba.
I will always Love you.

All though we have been separated by miles over so many years, we think of you all and the love and times we have shared. Our auntie has been missed and will be missed until we will all be together again siging in harmony.

So sad.  Especially hearing about Margie being left alone without her twin.  I'm glad we got to do that Hawaii trip with John & Mel! Great memories!!!!  Lara Gustavson (Seattle)

When the Starks were "Snowbirds" in California, we got to spend lots of one-on-one time with them.  One of our favorite memories, however, is when we got them together for a week in Hawaii with just us three Gustavsons.  We stayed in different properties and met up for dinner one night at a restaurant.  As Dale and I walked up to the restaurant and found John and Mel waiting for us, Dale and John were dressed in the exact same Hawaiian shirt--John's from Illinois and Dale's from California--we laughed about that for years!  We have precious memories of that week, of our family events, of Bonnie's trip with the two of them cross-country, of our California friends who thought of them as their own Aunt and Uncle--they were incredible people.  Auntie Melba was like a second mom to me because she loved me unconditionally.  She was greatly loved.  Dale & Bonnie Gustavson

Thank you for sharing a beautiful celebration of Melba's life and those dearest to her in this "moving memories" video. God's grace be with you all.

Deepest sympathy from Grace Sanders and Carol Sanders Ficks....Melba was a special friend of our family for many years....

Our deepest condolences  Art and Rosa Hamilton

Patty, Jack, Jim, Margaret and everyone in the family, I shed tears of sadness at the passing of such a dear, sweet, gracious, and godly woman. But there are also tears of joy knowing that Melba is at home in her true home with the Lord, reunited with Rose and John and all the saint who have gone before. Melba and John are the reason I am here - they introduced my parents and were lifelong friends. With Melba's death my Mom has lost the last contact with her happy past. Her buddy from the service has taken with her a piece of my heart and Angies as well. As recently as early this year, Melba called me to tell me I was always welcome to come and visit her in Illinois and that was not just a person being nice, that was Melba being - well, Melba. My prayers of peace and comfort for you who have lost such a dear Mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, friend are mixed with prayers of thanksgiving and gratitude to the Lord for the life who blessed so many people so richly. I will always smile when I think of her. Well done good and faithful servant - enter into the rest of the Lord.

OBITUARY

Melba E. Stark

December 12, 1921 – October 20, 2015

Lauterburg - Oehler Funeral Home

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