Melva Ferren-Lopez Obituary

Melva Ferren-Lopez was born on May 22, 1949, in Rogers, Ark. She passed away at home on Thursday evening, November 29, 2012, surrounded by her loved ones.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Lonnie and Eunice Ferren; and a sister, Linda Vitagliano. Melva is survived by her children, Eunice Rising, Lonnie Lopez, Joey Lopez, Elisa Corgey; stepchildren Yvonne Lopez, Anna Lopez, and Leticia Hook; grandchildren Jordie, Tyson, Cameron, Kayli, Nathan, Austin, Ricky, Miranda; spouse, Porfirio Lopez; and siblings, Lee, Charlotte, and Martha. A graduate of Reseda High School, Melva also attended Central Bible College, and once served as PTA president for the 12th District at Driffill Elementary School in Oxnard.

She owned several businesses in her lifetime: Santa's Surplus Store in Arkansas, Front Street Consignments in Ventura, which she co-owned with her daughter Eunice, and Modern Video Services in Ventura, which she co-owned with sons Lonnie Lopez and Joey Lopez. She wore many other hats as well, from postal carrier to home decor demonstrator for House of Lloyd. Melva was a world traveler, visiting Egypt, England, Africa, Germany, Austria, Mexico, and more. She also traveled across the USA, helping and visiting with elderly relatives, friends, and total strangers.

She received a continuing service award for recognition of outstanding service to children and youth, and was a Red Cross volunteer, working six disasters and having the honor to meet President Bill Clinton in the aftermath of a tornado disaster in Arkansas.

Melva also did volunteer work for the Salvation Army, The Christopher House, and on numerous occasions over the years donated her long beautiful hair to Locks for Love for cancer victims. She also worked with missionaries on an Indian reservation, and did missions work in Alaska. Melva fought a courageous fight against uterine cancer, but she was not a "cancer victim." She hopes that her journey will cause other women to seek early detection for ovarian and uterine cancers through a CA-125 blood test.

A Memorial honoring Melva's life will be held today, December 4, 2012. Viewing will be at 11 a.m. and Memorial Service at 12 p.m., at Reardon Mortuary, 757 East Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Ventura County Star from Dec. 4 to Dec. 7, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Melva Ferren-Lopez

4 Entries

Martha Bolton

December 12, 2012

Melva was my beloved sister. We were the two youngest in our family and we did so much together. She was so much fun! She had the heart of a servant, and always put herself last. So much so that I think God said "It's time to put yourself first" and he took her home to show her the mansion he had prepared especially for her. Melva never met a stranger. Over the years she opened her heart and her home to many people. What courage you had, Melva. You showed us all how to live a life of adventure, how to stand for things that matter, and how to hold on to faith through the tough places in life. Your last spoken words were "I love you." Melva, we love you more!

Kathy Gaeddert

December 11, 2012

I have known Melva since church when we were in our teens. We didn't keep in touch a lot but 6 months ago she called me telling me she was fighting the battle with cancer. We prayed over the phone that her life would be spared a little longer cause she wanted to do more for people. Well, it seems like God had other wonderful plans for her. I believe that when you have done what God put you on this earth for..that he then calls you home. She is now in the presence of the King and His beautiful Kingdom. We can't even imagine how beautiful heaven is..colors we have not even seen, the most beautiful garden ever and the beautiful angels, I think that Melva must be is "AWE" of it all. Melva, I'll be seeing you one morning..don't take all God's time now and asking Him so many questions.:) Love and Miss you.

Rose Chacon

December 9, 2012

Although I met Melva only briefly I was touched by her kindness. I send my condolences to her family.

Carol Speegle

December 6, 2012

Melva, was my dearest friend of 24 plus years, and the sister I never had, Melva had a loving heart that was truly bottomless knowing no boundaries, if she saw someone in need she was right there with them, giving abundantly and freely the wonderful valuable gift of herself and time, always had a sympathetic ear, bestowing warm embracing hugs, smiles, money for a meal, what ever was in her power to give she gave freely with no strings attached, she just wanted to comfort, and to assure people that they had value and were loved. Melva surly had to at some point assisted here on earth an angel, and now she is among them in heaven. Knowing Melva and getting to travel and grow with her these last 24 plus years have been an adventure. Dear friend looking forward to our next adventure. Love you. Carol 0:-)

Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results