Melba went to be with Jesus on Nov. 24th, 2023 at Faith Lutheran Home in Wolf Point, MT. She was born on Oct. 13th, 1936 in Orrick, MO, the second child born to Harold and Mabel (Smith) Frazier. Melba grew up south of Frazer on Hungry Creek. She attended North Pasture Creek Country School through the 8th grade, after which she attended the Frazer School.
In 1953 she moved to Wolf Point, where she attained her high school diploma through correspondence courses while working at the Modern Café and Super Value. She then began working at Ferguson Studio for Chick and Mary. While living in Wolf Point, she married Russel Mann in 1955. After a couple of years of living in Wolf Point, they moved to the Clyde Brookman homestead, where they had two children. Melba continued working at Ferguson Studio and in 1959, she also began working for Marvin Brookman as a rodeo secretary and timer. In 1967, Melba was chosen to time at the National Finals Rodeo in Oklahoma City, OK, which was a highlight of her rodeo career. She was also inducted into the Montana Rodeo Hall of Fame.
After Ferguson Studio closed, they moved to Bainville, where she began working as a waitress at the State Line Club. In 1973, after separating from Russel, Melba moved to Culertson and began working at Roosevelt Memorial Hospital as a Dietary Aid. Through her time there, she worked her way up to the head of the Dietary Department. In 1975, she married George Anderson. After she left the hospital, she worked at SVO until it closed. For several years during the summer, she painted buildings with her friend, Diane Panasuk. She then began working as a Nutrition Assistant for Montana State University through the food stamp program, where she taught nutrition and creative cooking to recipients in Roosevelt County until she retired in 2007.
Melba was incredibly caring and used a lot of her time to help people in need. She and Kris Steppler came up with the idea to prepare meals and serve it to the Fort Kipp community. This went on for years, until a surgery made it physically impossible for her to do. She also made and delivered Easter baskets to the preschoolers of the Fort Kipp community. She served her church, an important part of her life, as the Financial Secretary for many years. She had a green thumb and loved to spend time in her garden, gifting the vegetables she grew to neighbors and friends. Melba loved to support the Culbertson sports teams, both boys and girls. Melba was a kind, giving, loving, and loyal friend who will be missed by many.
She is survived by her daughter Darla and her son Duane. Grandchildren Jasen (Aileen), Kendra (Matt), Chase, and Chelbi (Wendy). Great-grandchildren Kasen, Bodhi, Indy, Winter, Miranda, Matthew, Thomas, and Honey.
Condolences for the family may be left using the form below.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday January 11, 2024
Trinity Lutheran Church
405 5th Ave E
Culbertson, Montana 59218
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Thursday January 11, 2024
Trinity Lutheran Church
405 5th Ave E
Culbertson, Montana 59218
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Chelbi Brugh says
Not You Grandma Melba I’m Lost For Words You Were My World You Took Me In Like One Of Your Own Go Rest High On That Mountain My Beautiful Grandma I Will See That Beautiful Face And Smile One Day 💔
Feryl Greufe says
I came to know Melba when visiting my mother at the home. She, my mother Myrna Greufe, and Sylvia Rising Su were friends in the home. All three would be sitting together visiting, laughing, and watching TV. She was so sweet and gentle. She always wanted a hug and a visit. I will miss her. My deepest sympathies to her family.
Susan Anderson Clark says
Sorry to hear about Aunt Melba. She always liked to visit.she gave me first job out high school working as a dietician aide. She would always be found at rodeos doing the secretary work for the rodeos in the booth while Uncle George was attending this bucking horses. Rest in peace Melba
Susan Anderson Clark says
Rest in peace Aunt Melba. I am sure they will need rodeo secretaries in the rodeos up in heaven. Rest in Peace.
Bede Baldry says
Dear Melba was a wonderful person.. I knew her when I was a young kid. She was a sweetheart. I visited her last summer in the home. She knew my vrother and his wife, Buck and Elaine Baldry. WE reconnected when I ministered in Culbertson.
Brother Bede Baldry, FSC
Pat & Judy Waters says
Rest in peace Melba. Always got a hug from Melba when you would see her & a big smile. You will be missed by many, I know your church family misses all your help did for the church. Sorry to miss your service & hugs & prayers to the family.