Melba Irene Denstedt

Melba Irene Denstedt (Sheffer) of Hale, loving and devoted wife, sister, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and great-great grandmother, age 90, died Sept. 14, 2025.
Melba was born Nov. 23, 1934 in Whittemore to William and Edna Sheffer (Partlo). She graduated from Whittemore High school, attended Northeastern Business College, and began working with local small businesses. She married the love of her life, Paul E. Denstedt, on Oct. 23, 1954, and took on the important role of homemaker as their family grew.
She lived in Hale for the last 70 years surrounded by her large family and many friends. They jokingly referred to their home as "Grand Central Station" due to the steady number and frequency of visitors throughout the years. Melba loved crafting, gardening, cooking, and had a passion for family genealogy. She was very involved in the community as a long-time parishioner of St. Pius Catholic Church.
Melba is survived by her loving husband of nearly 71 years; son, Steven (Anne) of West Branch; daughter, Brenda of Tucson, Ariz.; daughter, Sandra (James) Vacketta of Hale; grandchildren, Scott, Eric, Jaison, Randle, Daihna, Samantha, Savannah, Thomas and Daniel; 23 great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren; sister, Verta (Frank) Hattock of Punta Gorda, Fla.; brother, Elwood (Colleen) Sheffer of Tawas; sister-in-law, Lucille Brindley of Hale; and many nieces, nephews, and long-time dear friends.
Having lived a long and productive life, she was preceded in death by many family and friends, including the tragic loss of son, Bryan, in 2024.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, Sept. 26, at St. Pius Catholic Church, Hale. In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Pius Catholic Church, Hale Creek Manor, or Compassus Hospice (West Branch) in Melba's honor.