Melba Aileen McIntyre went to her heavenly home on December 9, 2024, at the age of 97. She was the youngest of six children born to Edward Aaron and Mabel Lena Ayres on January 22, 1927, in Lyons, Kansas. At the age of two, her family packed up their belongings and moved to Oregon, where they settled in the Rogue Valley. From then on, Jacksonville was the place Melba always called home.

Melba graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1944. In the third grade, she met Russell McIntyre and decided he was the one she would marry. True to her plan, Melba and Russell married in 1947, sharing a loving and devoted marriage for 66 years until Russell's passing in 2013.

Melba's Christian faith was a cornerstone of her life. She loved quoting scriptures, poems, and hymns, and her family and friends will remember her for her wisdom, advice, and strong opinions, which she shared with love.

She was predeceased by her husband Russell and all five of her siblings. Her children, Linda Sloan and husband John, Becky Adelmann and husband Rich, and Steve McIntyre, all survive her. She also leaves four grandchildren, Erika Sloan, Sara Sloan, Charles Adelmann and Aimee Adelmann as well as four great grandchildren, Emmy Balas, Anya Balas, Aiden Murphy and Eryn Murphy plus many beloved nieces and nephews.

A private family service will be held at the Jacksonville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Cystinosis Research Network or the historic Jacksonville Presbyterian Church in Melba's memory.