Melva Jane Tipton, 72, died November 23, 2022, at Hutchinson Regional Medical Center. She was born March 1, 1950, in Cushing, OK, to Melvin Z. and Vaunita I. (Rodgers) Smith.

Melva graduated from Cushing High School in 1968, and received two associates degrees from Hutchinson Community College in 1993 and 1995.  A resident of Hutchinson since 1972, she worked as a registered nurse at the Medical Center in Hutchinson before retiring from the City of Hutchinson as the Deputy City Clerk.

On December 23, 1978, she married Melvin Everett Tipton, in Hutchinson.  Melva's greatest treasure in life was spending quality time with Melvin.

Melva is survived by her loving husband of almost 44 years, Melvin Tipton, Jr. of Hutchinson; sons, Melvin L. Tipton III and Kevin D. Tipton, both of Hutchinson; brother, James Smith of Edmond, OK; grandchildren, Andrew Sanburn, Jacob Knudsen, Katana Tipton, Maleah Tipton, and Erin Tipton; two great-grandsons, Arthur Wesley Sanburn and Amitai Holmes Tipton; and numerous extended family members.

She was preceded in death by:  her parents; sister, Pat Golliver; and daughter, Jennifer Knudsen.

Cremation has taken place.  Melva requested no services.  Friends may sign her book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday at Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS  67501.