PHOENIX, Ariz. – Melba Jean Smith, 76, died Dec. 13, 2015, at Phoenix Mountain Nursing Center, Phoenix, Ariz. She was born Oct. 7, 1939, in Abbyville, to Melvin C. and Sarah M. (Dunn) Ginn.

Melba graduated from Arlington High School in 1957. She worked for a doctor's office and clinic in business administration. She moved to Minneapolis, Minn., where she was owner and operator of a ceramic shop, then in the 1970's moved to Arizona and was a realtor. Melba enjoyed creating oil paintings.

On May 12, 1961, she married Donald A. Smith in Hutchinson. He died Oct. 9, 2006. Melba is survived by: children, Regina Hines of Arizona, Curtis Smith and Patrick Smith, both of Phoenix, Ariz., Lisa Midkiff of Kansas; brother, Ray Ginn of Abbyville; sisters, Lois Eskew of Penalosa, Kan., Beverly Kightlinger of Hutchinson; and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by: her parents and sister, Muriel Ginn.

Graveside service will be at 1 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 17, 2015, at Partridge Cemetery, Partridge, with Pastor Dale Levering officiating. Friends may sign the book from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today at Elliott Mortuary, Hutchinson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Abbyville Community Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main St., Hutchinson, KS 67501.