Melba Buckner

Melba H. Buckner

May 21, 1924 ~ March 24, 2015

Melba Hale Buckner, 9 0 years old, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 24, 2015. She was proud to be born of “ pioneer stock ” on May 21, 1924 as the fourth daughter of Varian Edgar and Cedenia Bingham Hale.  Eventually two other sisters would join their family, leaving Varian little chance of ever seeing the bathroom.

Her childhood was filled with wonderful friends.  She learned frugality in a family of a schoolteacher trying to make ends meet.  Her summers were spent camping while her father attended classes at Utah State and mother sewed dresses for the next school year. Her father supplemented his income as a well-respected Auto Mechanic and one of Utah ’ s first Driver Education teachers.

Music was a hallmark in the Hale home.  Melba loved to sing and performed lead roles in musicals. In high school she played and loved the violin, performing in a trio with two of her sisters. She made sure her home would always be filled with good music.

High school also was the time she met the love of her life, LaMar - and their life’s adventure began.  Writing faithfully to him as he fought a war in Europe, the love deepened.  They were married on October 3, 1945 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.

Melba and LaMar were a great team.  She cherished being in the supportive role for LaMar - and he for her.  While he was actively building a career, providing community and church service or being politically involved, Melba carried the role of “ keeping the home fires burning. ” Without her, he would be the first to acknowledge that he could not accomplish anything.  She lovingly served at his side as they were called to preside over the California Sacramento Mission (the meals she cooked for missionaries number in the hundreds), and he by her side as she served in various Church and community callings.  Perhaps her most crowning service was her time serving as Matron in the Ogden LDS Temple from 1987 to 1990. They have been honored together on the Weber County “ Wall of Fame ” and served as Grand Marshals for the Pioneer Day parade.

Melba loved being a mother. She was the perfect listener and encourager with the ability to always “ find the silver linings in the clouds. ” She enjoyed teaching her children homemaking skills.  Her rolls would melt in your mouth and her homemade jam is a tradition gladly enjoyed by her family today.

Melba ’ s “ long goodbye ” began over 15 years ago with the onset of Alzheimer ’ s disease.  The love of LaMar, faithfully caring for her these past many years, is an example and legacy cherished by their family. Upon LaMar's passing on December 26, 2012, many have stepped in to provide caring service. Special thanks are given to the staff and caregivers and those in charge of LDS Services at Manor Care.  Appreciation is also given to the members of the Country Hills Ward and to her daughters for their constant love and care.

Melba is survived by her children, Lynda (Robert) Stringham, Kaysville; Brent (Debra Ann), South Weber; Terry (Lynne), Sandy; Kathy (Gary) Saunders, Harrisville and David (Jennifer), New York; 25 grandchildren and 36 great grandchildren.  She is welcomed through the veil by her husband LaMar, her parents, and her five sisters.  What a glorious reunion!

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Country Hills Ward LDS Chapel, 1401 Country Hills Drive, Ogden. Friends may visit family on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist's Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd., and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.  Interment, Lindquist's Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.

Donations may be made to the E. LaMar and Melba Hale Buckner Scholarship Fund at Weber State University.