MELBA WARD DESCHAMPS
Our loving wife, mother and grandmother, Melba Ward Deschamps, passed away peacefully at her home January 4, 2001, at the age of 75.

She was born December 17, 1925, the daughter of George Merlin and Viola Thomas Ward. She grew up and was educated in Malad. As a young girl she helped the family herd sheep at Mink Creek during the summer.

She married Rene Deschamps on November 23, 1943, in the Logan, Utah temple. They lived in St. John on the family homestead, raising alfalfa, sugar beets, peas, and managing a dairy herd.

She worked as a cook at local restaurants for many years. Everyone enjoyed her cooking because she was a great cook. She was a beautiful seamstress, sewing for her family, from shirts to party dresses. She was a master canner, canning meat, fruits, vegetables, jams, jellies and pickles, and teaching her skills to her children. She enjoyed reading, working in her flower garden, and especially loved quilting. She gave quilts to all of her children and grandchildren. She entered many in the county fair, and received many ribbons.

Melba was a member of the LDS Church, where she served as a Relief Society secretary, and for many years as a Primary teacher.

Melba is survived by her loving husband, Rene; five sons: Merlin (Pat) of Ogden, Utah; Tom [Janet) and Mark (Leeann) of Malad, Quin (Denise) and Mike (Nikki) of Pocatello, Idaho; four daughters: Sue Ann (Dick) Robbins and Brenda (Don) Daniels of Malad; Rosalie (Ned) Silvester and Debbie (Jerry) Reisner of Riverside, Utah; 34 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; three sisters, Neva (Cleland) Jones and Judy (George) Jones of Malad, and Lois Davis of Riverdale, Utah. Her parents, sister, Betty Van Horn, three grandchildren and a son, Dennis James, preceded her in death.

Funeral services were held Monday, January 8, 2001, at the Malad Stake Center with Bishop Vern Bastian officiating. Burial was in the St. John Cemetery.