Melba Best

Melba Joanne Best, age 94, of St. Louis, MI, passed away Monday, May 3, 2021, at Mid-Michigan Medical Center, Alma, MI.

Cremation will take place and a Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Burial will take place at Coe Township Cemetery, Shepherd, MI.

Melba was born in Alma, MI on March 15, 1927, the daughter of Elbridge "Red" and Ivah Roberta (Easlick) Wolfgang. Melba graduated from St. Louis High School with the class of 1945. Melba married Daniel "Lee" Best on June 27, 1948.  They were blessed with 63 years of marriage prior to his passing on July 6, 2011.

Melba worked for various places throughout her life including: Soda Jerk for Thayer's Drugstore, Knapp's bakery, Dr. Pettit's office and Michigan Chemical. She owned and operated Alma Freezer with her husband Lee for 53 years. She enjoyed bowling, reading and baking bread. She enjoyed meeting new people and trying to see if they were related to her. Melba was very proud to be a member of the St. Louis Community. There was nothing more important to her than her family and she always wanted them to come and visit.

She is survived by son David and Donna Best of St. Louis, MI, daughter Becky and Jim Leonard of Vestaburg, MI, unofficially adopted son Ron and Chris Bebow of Colorado, 4 grandchildren: Daniel Leonard of Berkley, MI, Ben (Rosalie) Leonard of Philadelphia, PA, Jeffery Best of Wheeler, MI, and Jessica Best of St. Louis, MI. She is also survived by many special nieces and nephews.  Melba was preceded in death by her husband Lee (2011), her parents, father and mother-in-law Daniel and Marie Best, siblings: Elbridge "French" (Verla) Wolfgang Jr., Wanda (Vern) Keefer, and Margery (Ron) Breidinger.

Memorials may be made to Gratiot County Commission on Aging or to your local animal shelter. Online condolences can be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, MI.