Melba Ruth Phillips - April 18, 1924-May 4, 2011
 

PHILLIPS, MELBA RUTH – Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 a.m., Monday, May 9, 2011 at LaGrone Funeral Chapel for Melba Ruth Phillips, age 87, of Roswell who passed away on May 4, 2011. Pastor Phil Grassie of Westside Church of Christ in Artesia, NM will officiate.

Visitation will be Saturday, May 7, 2011 from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Sunday May 8, 2011 from Noon to 7:00 p.m. at LaGrone Funeral Chapel.

Melba was born on April 18, 1924 in Roswell to Coleman and Elberta Robinson. They have preceded her in death as well as her husband Cecil Phillips, a brother, Coleman Robinson and a great grandchild, Gage Phillips

Melba is survived by a son: Brian Phillips and his wife Debbie of Roswell; daughter: Tina Williams and her husband Bill of Roswell; brothers: Bob Robinson and his wife Beth of Roswell, and Bill Robinson of Eunice, NM; sisters: Emma Williams and her husband Percy of Roswell and Catherine Melton and her husband John of Roswell; Five grandchildren: Rhonda Riali, Jim Phillips, Gary Phillips, Emily Williams and Luke Williams. She is also survived by eight great grandchildren.

Melba was of the Baptist Faith. Melba’s family homesteaded on the Caprock. She attended Tatum High School and played saxaphone in the school band. In 1949 she married Cecil Phillips in Yuma, AZ. They resided in California for several years before returning to Roswell. Melba worked for First National Bank, which became United New Mexico and then Wells Fargo, and retired after 35 years. She enjoyed working in her yard and bowling. She bowled with the United New Mexico team for many years and after retirement continued to bowl with the senior league. Melba loved her family and lived a long healthy life. She is missed.

  Melba was a member of my (George Lee) bowling league for many years and a team member for one season.  My wife and I joined her team on the last season that she bowled.  Sharon and I really enjoyed Melba's companionship.  She was not a quitter.  Although her eyesight was failing to the degree that she couldn't see which bowling pins were standing, she could still roll the ball and make the Spare.  She had some really good scores and everyone on the league enjoyed having her there.

Friends may pay their respect online at http://www.lagronefuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements are under the directions of LaGrone Funeral Chapel.