Melba Snelson Wheeler

Melba Snelson Wheeler, age 89 of Springville, passed away at her home on Sunday, October 5, 2008. She was born June 17, 1919 in Payson, Utah to Thomas Lennial and Margaret Jane Taylor Snelson. She married Alma Blaine Wheeler October 17, 1941 in the Salt Lake L.D.S. Temple. Blaine passed away August 24, 1992. She was married to Clyde Dixon December 17, 1995; he died December 31, 1996.



Melba was raised and attended school in Payson, graduating from Payson High School. During her high school years, Melba enjoyed tennis and track. She was also voted Miss Payson. Music was a big part of her life. She was a charter member of the Musette's and sang with that organization and at hundreds of funerals over the space of many years. She was a member of several women's clubs and a member of the Springville Fire Department auxiliary.



Melba was an active member of the L.D.S. Church and served in many ward and stake callings. She enjoyed temple work and served faithfully as an ordinance worker and in the baptistery of the Provo Temple for many years.



Melba worked side by side with her husband Blaine in the operation of the Wheeler Mortuary and provided many acts of kindness and compassion to those she served for over 50 years.



She is survived by her four children: David Blaine (Karla) Wheeler of Spanish Fork; Allan L. (Virginia) Wheeler, Susan (Craig) Miller, Paul B. (Vicki) Wheeler all of Springville; four step children; 18 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by one sister, Ruby (Rodney) Felt of Kaysville and one brother, W.L. "Bish" (Bonnie) Snelson of Springville. She was preceded in death by one brother, Ronald Snelson; one sister, Nelda Reece; and two grandchildren, Ryan Miller and April Wheeler.



Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 9, 2008 at 11 a.m. in the Springville Stake Center at 245 South 600 East, Springville. There will be a viewing held Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Wheeler Mortuary, 211 E. 200 S., Springville and at the church on Thursday one hour prior to the services. Interment will be in the Springville Evergreen Cemetery.



Thanks to Heart for Hospice, especially Sandra, Debbie, Ruth, Marty, Emily and Merianne.