Melva Stockton

Melva Anella Muse Stockton was a natural leader whose winning presence allowed her to take control of various situations with ease. Equipped with a clear and calculating focus, she possessed a tough-minded, take-charge attitude. She had the ability to make even routine situations seem exciting, and she was at ease in the role of problem-solver. She was the type of person who could execute plans well, and had the drive to step onto center stage and take on whatever challenge confronted her. Melva always sought the scene where the action was occurring. Sociable, analytical, and pleasant, she was undoubtedly an individual who enjoyed life’s challenges.

Melva was born on July 15, 1926. She first greeted the world in Munday, Texas. Her parents were Thomas Leslie and Iva May. Always able to express herself well, Melva was always able to be open and direct in her communication and was eternally optimistic in her outlook on life. Armed with a great wit, she was raised to be accepting of others and to employ a strong personal work ethic. These were all traits that would help her throughout her life.

Blessed with a balanced attitude, Melva was able to relate well to others. Her occasional role as family mediator gave her the opportunity to ease tense situations when they occurred. She was raised with one sister, Juanita. She had a strong desire to be treated fairly and would readily offer others the same fairness in return.

As a young child, Melva showed her creative ability in many ways ranging from her various hobbies to her ability to develop new twists on old games. She always seemed to enjoy new activities and was constantly pursuing a variety of interests. A take-charge person even as a child, Melva liked being actively involved. Some of her favorite pastimes while growing up were horse back riding.

Melva was outgoing and animated. Some of Melva's biggest accomplishments during this time included English and Writing Awards. She excelled in English

Friends and acquaintances found Melva to be an easy person to get to know. Some of her best childhood friends were Elda Mae. They enjoyed spending quality time as teenagers.

For Melva, relationships were precious things that should be valued. That was particularly true with her relationship with Donald J. Stockton. They met at the Glendora Golfing range. She exchanged vows with Donald on January 16, 1969.

Following the ceremony, Melva and Donald managed to get away by themselves for a little while and enjoy their honeymoon. They went to Yosemite National Park.

Melva was attentive to Donald's feelings. She did her best to be charming to everyone, but this relationship was special. She brought into it her gift for being able to give freely and generously. This was just one of the things she did to create a happy home. Their residence was in Covina, California. The couple also shared their home with their pets, including their Dachshunds Suzie and Shautze. They would take Suzie on road trips to Arkansas. She loved to hang her head out the window. A good listener with an engaging personality, Melva was able to bring pleasure and unexpected humor to the relationship. The couple incorporated both old and new friends into their relationship.

Melva was a generous woman who valued that same quality in others. So it is little wonder that she was so active and giving in her community. She was a member of several community groups. She fed the hungry. She was a gifted problem-solver who worked hard to help accomplish group goals. This skill made her a wonderful asset to the various groups and organizations to which she belonged. Always matter-of-fact about what needed to be done, Melva worked steadily to meet any organization’s goals. She donated to disabled veterans.

Very much like a kid herself, Melva identified with the inquisitive and creative side shown by just about all children. She was able to direct her energy and spontaneity towards helping her offspring acquire many skills, including those often considered common sense. Melva was blessed with three children, Melva Bernice, Ronald and Iva Linda. Because she was always so in tune with her children, Melva was often pleasantly surprised by how much pride they could bring to her. Every moment raising her children was a blessing to her.

As with other aspects of their lives, Melva tried her best to provide the children with a safe and nurturing home. She also tried to share her enjoyment of other aspects of her life.

Later in life, she was blessed with three grandchildren, Mary Ann, Eileen and Iva and six great-grandchildren.

Melva was a flexible worker who was able to draw the best from others around her. A persuasive individual who was quick to make necessary decisions, one of her strengths was her ability to think on her feet. She could be a leader who made decisions that had great impact. Melva could read body language well, so she was able to read into situations and motivate others more effectively, based upon her observations. She was a good negotiator who enjoyed new challenges. Melva could multi-task, and she was endowed with an entrepreneurial spirit, allowing her to think beyond standard norms when it came to resolving issues in her work environment.

Melva never seemed to be afraid of work and was often willing, even early on, to tackle new and different challenges. Probably the most unique or interesting job Melva ever held was taking care of their family and grandchildren. Her primary occupation was working as Electronic Soldering and a hardworking housewife and grandma. She worked at Aerojet. Though she rarely sought out any accolades for her achievements, she would humbly accept any recognition that came her way.

Melva enjoyed her leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. She had something of an artistic flair in many of the things that she did. She put this creativity toward all of her pastimes. Some of her favorite hobbies were gardening, yard-work and tending to her rose garden.

Throughout her life, Melva developed many likes and passions, things that put a smile on her face. Her favorite season was Springtime when her roses would bloom. When it came to dining, she particularly enjoyed Mexican food and Iced Tea. Melva's favorite movies were "Sleepless in Seattle" and "Pretty Woman". She enjoyed watching "As the World Turns" on television. Her favorite song was "Pretty Woman".

Because she was not afraid to be assertive and aggressive at times, Melva was a perfect match for athletics and exercise. She was enthusiastic about these activities and her confidence served her well. She enjoyed golfing and shooting at the range. Melva also enjoyed watching her favorite teams and events whenever she got the opportunity.

Melva held close to traditional values, and as a result, her faith was very important to her. She was a Christian.

Melva Stockton left us on June 22, 2011. She passed away at The Rowland Convalescent in Covina, California. She was 84 years old. She is survived by Donald Stockton, Bernice Matchett, Iva Zarate, Mary Bailey, Rebecca Bailey, Kenneth Spainhour, Michael Spainhour, Breanna Zarate and Mark Cathers. Services were handled by Custer Christiansen Mortuary.

Melva was the kind of person who could win others over easily. A direct communicator, she relied on her senses to increase her involvement and awareness of others. She was always able to provide amusing repartee to her many friends and acquaintances, offering a seemingly endless supply of quips, anecdotes, jokes, and stories. She enjoyed her life to the fullest because of the limitless experiences it had to offer. This is how everyone will remember Melva Anella Muse Stockton.