Mary Melby

Mary Melby, age 93, of Backus, passed away Friday, March 4, 2011, at Heritage House, Pequot Lakes. She was born November 26, 1917, to Guy and Helena Edwards. She was born and raised in South Dakota where she lived with her family until 1936. Due to drought conditions their family moved to rural Backus when Mary was 18. In 1940 she married Ralph Melby and they lived and farmed on his family homestead for the next 58 years. Mary and Ralph were very active with raising their children, farming and community events. Mary was a 4H leader, served on the Cass County Extension Board, and was a member of the local homemakers group and the Deerfield Ladies Aid. They were active members of Bethlehem Lutheran Church where Mary enjoyed her involvement in all their groups and activities. Ralph passed away in 1998. After 63 years, her high school boyfriend came back into her life. She and Leland married and had a few good years together. Mary had a full life before developing dementia and living in assisted living for the past year and a half.

Mary is survived by her husband, Leland Wade; children: Keith Melby (Lisa), Sherry Fitch (Bill), Kathy Melby (Tom Adamson), all of Backus, Jeanne Melby (Marty Humphrey) of Pine River; brother, Earl Edwards of San Diego, CA; sister, Anita Seebach of Centerville, MN; six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ralph Melby; son, Robert Melby; sister, Ann Marlow; and brothers, Albert, Wayne and David Edwards.

Services will be 2 PM on Sunday, March 13, at First Lutheran Church, Pine River, with Pastor Bonnie Lomen officiating. Burial will be in Bethlehem Cemetery, rural Backus. Visitation will be Saturday from 5 to 7 PM at Kline Funeral Home, Pine River, and one hour prior to the service at the church.