Melba Higgs Wayman

Born on July 22, 1923, to Alpha Jedde Higgs and Amy Frances Elizabeth Gill Higgs. Melba graduated from West High School in Salt Lake City, Utah. On June 18, 1941, she married the love of her life, Donald Edward Wayman. Together they built a loving home and raised eight children, creating a family founded on faith, kindness, hard work, and unconditional love.

Melba was a beautiful and dignified woman whose quiet strength, unwavering faith, and loving heart touched everyone who knew her.

Following the passing of her beloved husband, she lived as a widow for 49 years, meeting life's challenges with remarkable courage, grace, and independence.

A dedicated and hardworking woman, Melba continued working until she was nearly 90 years old. Her determination and strong work ethic inspired everyone around her. Yet her greatest joy was always her family. She treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and each new generation that followed.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Melba lived her testimony through quiet service, Christlike love, and steadfast devotion. Her faith was the foundation of her life and a guiding influence on her family.

Melba found great happiness in gardening. She lovingly cared for her flowers and plants, especially her roses and peonies and her vegetable garden, finding joy in God's creations and sharing their beauty with others. Her garden reflected the same patience, tenderness, and loving care she gave so freely to her family throughout her long and meaningful life.

Melba was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald Edward Wayman; her daughter-in-law, Mary Wayman; her son-in-law, Earl Thomas; her sisters, Constance Blosch, Zola Draper, and Monda Lund; and her brother, Sharon Higgs.

Her eight children survive her: Marilyn Ellingson (Larry); Donald Edward Wayman Jr. (preceded in death by his wife, Mary); Laurene Thomas (preceded in death by her husband, Earl); Elaine Francis (John); Alan J. Wayman (Libby); Jeanette Callister (Gary); Julieann Wayman; and Steven R. Wayman (Debbie). She is also survived by 23 grandchildren, 54 great-grandchildren, 12 great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

Melba leaves a legacy of faith, resilience, kindness, and unconditional love. Her gentle example, quiet wisdom, and unwavering devotion to her family will continue to bless generations to come.

Though she will be deeply missed, her influence will live on in the hearts of all who were privileged to know and love her.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah with a live stream available at https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/c26077080772218 . A viewing will be held from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. before the service. Interment will follow at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.

Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love a gift that will live on forever.