Imogene W. Melton

Imogene W. Melton Wenatchee, WA Imogene W. Melton, The BEST Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great-grandmother anyone would ever have; the Lord chose to take her home, for he knew she was tired from her extended illness with COPD and a heart condition. Her work here on earth was done and she went to meet the Lord on December 5, 2011. Jean passed away at Central Washington Hospital. She was 87 years young. She was born to Earl and Oda Wolford on June 21, 1924, in Pocahontas, AR. As a young child, she attended school at Zion and Sidney, AR. She was a southern girl and helped pick cotton together with her family. They were tough times growing up, when even a simple candy stick was a treat. A fond memory was good times meeting friends on Saturday at the post office, since they didn't have phones or papers. "Those were the good old days, when we had more time than money." She met her future husband on the family's farm. Everett Melton had been milking a cow that kicked a bucket of milk on him. Imogene would not have anything to do with a man who had milk covering him from head to toe. Once cleaned up, a spark flew from Imogene; she noticed his car and took a ride. Well, guess who forgot her jacket - Jean. And that's when things took off. On December 24, 1940, in Melbourne, AR, they woke up a local pastor, who married them that night. If you ask Grandpa, he would say that she married him for his 1938 Chevrolet. They moved to Wenatchee on January 15, 1941. Her first job was picking pollen, then working at Cedergreen, Rooney's Motel and the Ninth Street Skookum plant. Jean then retired to help take care of her parents, Earl and Oda Wolford, until they passed away. Jean was an active member of Wenatchee First Assembly of God, until her illness. She loved to sing duets with her sister, Maria Melton, in church. She also loved to get together with the church women, making quilts. It was a pleasure watching her husband's garden grow, as she then would can and make jams and pickled beets. The rose garden was very special; Everett would always bring her roses because she enjoyed the smells. The family grew with a son, Calvin Earl in 1942, then with a daughter, Darlene Kay in 1947. Spending time camping and driving to visit family were special times. Jean was always in the kitchen for her family and others; she never wanted anyone to leave unfed or empty handed. There was one thing she refused to do... which was to clean or cook duck, deer and rabbits, because of their big eyes! The grandchildren were the love of her life! She was always there, to play, to love, to listen. Grandma never complained, even at the end she showed such courage, never afraid. She knew she was going to Heaven, for she was a Christian. She didn't want to leave us, she was just so tired, she needed to rest. She told us it would be okay, and we know we will see her again. Our Wife, Mom, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and Friend will forever be remembered. She lives in our hearts; she has taught us so much by the way she loved, the prayers she prayed, the memories shared. She loved her family unconditionally, her life example deeply touched everyone who knew her. She is survived by her husband of 19 days shy of 71 years, Everett A. Melton of Wenatchee; son, Calvin (Liz) Melton of Wenatchee; daughter, Darlene (Dan) Curtis of Malaga; grandchildren, Katrina (David) Anderson of Wenatchee, Todd (Cathy) Melton of Wenatchee, Kevin (Amanda) Curtis of Butte, MT, Chad (Shauna) Melton of Mountlake Terrace, WA and Cary Melton of Wenatchee; and great-grandchildren, Brenden Copner, Grant Anderson, Dalton Anderson, Everett Anderson, Gage Melton and Grace Melton, all of Wenatchee. Preceded in death by her father and mother, Earl and Oda Wolford; two sisters, Lurene Wolford and Maria Melton; and one grandson, Scott Daniel Curtis. The family wishes to thank the wonderful people of Hospice, caregivers from In Home Care, Dr. Aguilu and his nurse, Loretta, as well as family and friends from Assembly of God for all of their prayers, cards and visits. Visitation is scheduled for Sunday, December 11, 2011, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. and Monday, December 12, 2011, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Telford's Chapel of the Valley, 711 Grant Road in East Wenatchee. Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, December 13, 2011, at Wenatchee First Assembly of God, 1520 McKittrick Street, Wenatchee, with Interment to follow at Wenatchee City Cemetery. Arrangements by Telford's Chapel of the Valley.

Imogene W. Melton

June 21, 1924 - December 5, 2011