Melba Ellen Blake's Obituary
Melba Ellen Blake, age 84, of Rogers passed away Friday April 7, 2023, in Rogers. She was born January 8, 1939, the daughter of Lawrence and Bertha Franklin Austin. She was preceded in death by her parents and her loving husband Richard Thomas Blake and two children Mitchell Lawrence Blair and Vonda Gay Blair.
She was a caregiver in many ways as a stay at home mom for many years along with with working in the medical field with the elderly as well as helping with her many grandchildren. Melba had a love and passion for all kinds of animals, which she raised many as her babies including a frog that lived in her kitchen windowsill. She enjoyed being outdoors and gardening. In her later years she enjoyed her Sunday outings to Walmart where her husband Rick would sit in the car and read or nap while she had her 4 hour shopping excursion, which she might only come out of the store with a few bags. She was amazed with of the size of Walmart and how long it took her to see everything and she enjoyed just strolling through. Then her and Rick would enjoy a late lunch on the way home; she looked forward to their Sunday’s together in their later years.
She is survived by her three children Keith Victor Smallwood and his wife Pam of Gentry, James Brinkley Smallwood and his wife Gaye of Rogers, Janice Leanne Apodaca of New Mexico. As well as 11 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
The family will hold a memorial service at a later date to honor Melba Blake.
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