Velma Mae (Rissler) Melton |
| Posted 2016-04-28 by Judy Wight Branson |
| The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Tuesday, April 26, 2016, page 5a Velma Mae (Rissler) Melton, of Prescott, Arizona, went to our Lord on March 6, 2016 at the age of 83. Velma battled a life threatening disease for the last 12 years with such faith and determination, that those lucky enough to have known her would agree she was such a special lady, mother, and friend. Velma was born Aug. 20, 1932 in Moline, Illinois to Oscar Raymond Rissler and Bessie Hogren. In December of 1949, Velma married Jack Melton (now deceased). They both loved music and Jack played Saxophone with The Satin and Brass local band. Velma and Jack were a marvel as a dance couple. In the 1950s with three small children, Velma found time to be a vocalist of radio and television. Velma performed in the local theatre, The Music Guild in “Oklahoma,” “Kiss Me Kate,” “Hit the Deck,” “The King and I” and many more. Velma and Jack moved to Arizona in the 1960s and opened their own businesses, Melton’s Upholstery and Interior Designs by Velma. Velma also worked in the pro shop at Prescott Valley Country Club, and had a brief Modeling career. Velma and Jack helped raise funds for the Saguaro High School Music dept. as members of the “Over the Hill Gang” a Big Band performance group in Scottsdale, Arizona. Velma loved music, performing, and drawing, but most of all teaching, which she did at every opportunity. Velma studied music at Arizona State University, directed numerous church choirs and specialized as a vocal coach for the beginning vocalist. Velma also taught Interior Design at Yavapai College in the Home Economics Department. Velma is survived by three children and their spouses, Jack Duane and spouse Almina, Vicky (Coco), Christine and spouse Peter Repp. There are six grandchildren, Joell, Frank Tyrone, McKinley, Adam, Tracy and Jason Duane; two step grandchildren Eric, and Peter Brandon Repp; six great grandchildren, Scarlett, McKenna, Sean Caden, Sophia, Carter, Emily; and two step great grandchildren, Reid and Lilly. Velma will be missed as she was such a bright light, and she did shine in giving genuinely of herself to her family and friends especially through music. To honor Velma Melton’s memory, a music scholarship fund has been setup. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, May 7, 2016 at Hope Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1010 N. Road 1 E., Chino Valley, AZ 86323. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made at any Wells Fargo Bank branch for Arizona to the Velma Melton Memorial Fund. Information provided by survivors. |
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