Melba Loree Weien Nelson of Wichita passed from death unto life peacefully on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at the age of 101. Melba was born on March 13, 1924 in Ottawa, Kansas to Glen F. and Pearl L. Weien. She and Earl Nelson were married on July 6, 1943 while Earl was serving in the military. Several years after his discharge they moved to Wichita for a job opportunity. Melba and Earl celebrated 65 years of marriage prior to his death on December 3, 2010.

Two children were born to Earl and Melba: Sharon (Arlan) Bentz and Michael (Pam) Nelson. She had five grandchildren: Susan Coffman; Rebecca (Jasen) Kandt; Jason (Amy) Nelson; Brian (Ruby) Nelson; and Brett (Rebecca) Nelson. Melba also welcomed 20 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren into her life.

Melba and Earl spent 13 years in McAllen, TX in "retirement." Retirement meant playing golf daily whenever possible, enjoying Twin Palms Park's many activities, including swimming, shuffleboard, 1940s music and dances, and proudly displaying and sharing the huge tomatoes that Earl grew in their backyard.

Melba had, by her count, 27 jobs during her lifetime. Beginning as a carhop in Ottawa, serving as the church secretary at Old Manor Baptist Church and later at Beech Aircraft, concluding with a successful real estate career before retirement. Melba remarked that she couldn't leave a job until she had "straightened out" her bosses.

Melba loved the Lord, her family and golf, in that order. She was well-loved by the staff at Reeds Cove Health Center, where she lived for the last 16 years of her life. Melba was, without a doubt, one of a kind. She shared her faith with those around her, and was always ready to sing her favorite song to the staff or any visitors at Reeds Cove, which was "This is the Day" (that the Lord has made.)

A memorial service in celebration of Melba's life is planned for 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 19, 2025 at Metro East Baptist Church, 333 N 143rd St. E, Wichita, Kansas.