Melba Rogers, 93, of Fayetteville, passed away on Thursday, April 3, 2025, at Willard Walker Hospice, surrounded by friends and family. She was born on August 14, 1931, in Elkins, Arkansas, to John and Ina Ballard. Melba graduated from Elkins High School in 1948 and began her career at The Bank of Elkins. She later joined Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, where she devoted 30 years of service.
Melba dedicated much of her life to volunteering, teaching the Bible, gardening, birdwatching, and staying closely connected with friends and family. She had a passion for watching Arkansas sports, dining at her favorite restaurants, and traveling to visit her sisters in California. Above all, she remained deeply committed to her faith throughout her life.
For many years, Melba was a devoted member of the Baldwin Church of Christ, where she taught a 3rd-grade Bible class and volunteered in various church activities. She spent every Thursday folding gospel tracts for Tracts International. These tracts, containing gospel materials in multiple languages, were sent to over 35 countries to help others learn more about the Bible. Melba was passionate about this mission and continued her involvement with it until her passing.
Melba was preceded in death by her husband, Raymon Rogers; her parents, John and Ina Ballard; and 10 siblings: Dolph Ballard, Bruce Ballard, Ralph Ballard (Bernice), Agnes Harp (Mark), Velma King (Homer), Gladys Buchanan (Ernest), Ruby Rude (Howard), Lucille Teague (Ray and Guy), Roy Ballard (Iva and Kathleen), and Pauline Spencer Buchanan (Norman and Gus).
She is survived by many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Melba’s smile, contagious laugh, warm hugs, kind acts of service, and unwavering faith will remain in the hearts of all who knew her. While she is now at peace, resting in the embrace of our Lord and Savior, her spirit will continue to inspire and guide us, just as she always did. Her reminder of God’s love for us will forever be with us.
The family will receive visitation from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at Beard’s Funeral Chapel. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, April 11, 2025, at Mt. Olive Cemetery with Bobby Dockery officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Tracts International and sent to 2125 N Center St, Fayetteville, AR 72701 in Melba’s name.
So sorry to hear of Melba’s passing, she was a wonderful lady.
I have been so out of the loop I did not realize she was having any kind of trouble I am so sorry to hear about her passing I know the kids must be extremely distraught my prayers are with all of you
Alice Musteen and Lucille Espenschied, we are so sorry to get this news. We enjoyed her at the Tracts.
I’m so sorry to hear this. I will miss you Melba.
Preston and I are so sorry to hear of Melba’s passing. She was a wonderful Christian woman!!
I’m so sorry to hear of Melba’s passing.I had lots of wonderful visits with her. I will miss her deeply.
Mrs. Melba was the sweetest person. A constant source of encouragement. She epitomized what it meant to be a light in the world, for our Lord Jesus. I always looked forward to seeing her gentle smile and experiencing her warm embrace. Our family loved her dearly.
OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY
Melba was my aunt and though we lived in California, we visited her and she visited us often. She had a such a great laugh and was a champion hugger. She was also a really good hand at baking. My husband Ray and I will think of her often and always miss her. Rest in peace, dear aunt.
Melba was our sweet beautiful aunt (as Don would say, he always looved her!)
She was the sweetest kindest person ever!
I loved talking to her and hearing about her birds she had seen! We will miss her so much! She was pure sunshine everyday! Rest in peace, we love you!
Lisa, Alissa and Garrett Sutton and in honor of Don Sutton (deceased)
I am so sorry to hear of Melba’s passing. I worked with Melba at Southwestern Bell Telephone Co. in Fayetteville for several years. We both had a lot in common as we both graduated
from Elkins High School and knew some of the same people. Melba was a sweet lady.
May God keep Melba in His Arms. You are a beautiful soul. We will miss visiting you next time we are in Fayetteville.
Melba was one of my favorites. I’m sorry that I wasn’t aware of her passing. She was always in a good mood and I will miss her.