Melba Maxine Blue

Melba Maxine (West) Blue, age 89, of Livonia, MO, passed away at the Putnam County Care Center on Thursday, October 20, 2016. She had been a resident there for two years.

Melba was born in Glendale, MO, on April 14, 1927, the daughter of Oscar and Octa (Abbott) West who preceded her in death. She married Clifford Basil Blue on August 14, 1947, and he preceded her in death in 2007.

Melba graduated from Livonia High School, attended Northeast Missouri College (now Truman University), and taught three years in Putnam and Schuyler County rural schools. When her children were grown she attended Cosmetology School and had a beauty salon in her home for 20 years. Melba was an Extension Club and 4-H leader and a member of the Baker-Sparks American Legion Auxiliary Post 575 for 54 years, holding different offices. She was treasurer of St. John Cemetery for 34 years and a charter member of Friendship Community Church of Lancaster, MO.

Melba and Clifford loved to travel, spending many winters in Texas as long as health permitted. She loved to go to flea markets, shopping with her friends, working in her flowers or garden and doing things with her family.

Melba is survived by a son, Clifford “Chuck” Blue and wife Penny, and a daughter, Donna Sue Blue, all of Livonia, MO. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Mindy Blue, Wendy Blue, Candy Blue, Lacy Pasa, and Willie Pasa, as well as eight great grandchildren, Ashlynn, Brylie, Kaigen, Gabrilla, Harper, Kamden, Stella, and Ella. A sister, Pauline White, two sisters-in-law, Katie Daily, and Jacquetta and husband Aaron Chrisman and close family friend, Tye Calderon also survive.

Funeral services for Melba Blue will be at Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home in Unionville, MO, at 11:00 am on Monday, October 24, 2016. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at the St. John Cemetery north of Livonia, MO.

Memorials are suggested to the St. John Cemetery and may be entrusted with Playle and Collins Family Funeral Home, 709 S. 27th St., Unionville, MO 63565.