Melba Joyce Crago

1943 - 2026

Melba Joyce Crago, 82, of New Bloomfield, Mo., passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, with her devoted husband by her side.

After being diagnosed with lung cancer in 2010, she faced her illness bravely and refused to let it defeat her. Melba enjoyed many wonderful years after her diagnosis, cherishing every moment until her final day.

Melba, daughter of Ernest B. and Viva M (Stehl) Walker, was born on April 19, 1943, in Kahoka, Mo. She grew up on a farm with five siblings, graduated from Revere School System in 1961, and remained in touch with several classmates throughout her life.

Melba held a clerical role in the ASC office in Clark County, was bookkeeper for Gary Gregory Construction, worked with Lee County Health Department, and served as receptionist at West Point Veterinary Clinic. She took pleasure in collaborating with others in everything she pursued.

Melba was united in marriage on Feb. 9, 1964, in Fort Madison, Iowa, to Gary Gregory, and later married Dr. James C. Crago, DVM, on Sept. 19, 1992, in Rock Rapids, Iowa.

Melba liked to bake, cook, spend time in the garden, and especially loved ice cream (Central Dairy). She visited Germany several times to see her sister and brother-in-law. Above all her love and devotion to her children and grandchildren defined Melba's life. She cherished the times spent with the grandkids and taking them to the Runge Center, Big Surf and any other place they would enjoy.

Melba was a member of the First Christian Church in Fort Madison for many years. Currently she and Jim have made Providence Baptist Church in New Bloomfield their church home.

She is survived by her husband, Jim; one daughter, Dena (Billy) Gregory-Burchett, Donnellson; three stepdaughters, Kristi Crago (Caen Thomason-Redus), Grosse Pointe Park, Mich., Michelle (Damian) Buessing, Silverado, Calif., and Jackie (Daniel) Sailler, Leawood, Kan.; 13 grandchildren, Dalton (Kaylee) Gregory, Gage Burchett, Brandt Burchett, and Dristin (Kelsey) Gregory, Payton, Maya and Dereje Buessing; Isaiah, Caleb, Lydia Thomason-Redus; Brooklyn, Henry, Olive Sailler; three great-grandchildren; and her siblings, Robert L. Walker, Alexandria, Mo., Harold (Flo) Walker, West Burlington, Iowa, and Patricia (Wayne) Marshall, Fulton, Mo.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one son, Douglas Gregory; siblings, Rovene and her husband Ronald Cochran, Stanley and his wife Marilyn Walker; and a sister-in-law, Wanda Walker.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. to noon, on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, at Providence Baptist Church, 426 Glenwood Drive, New Bloomfield, with the memorial service to follow at noon with Pastor Jim Shaver and Pastor James Talley officiating.

Memorials are suggested to Providence Baptist Church.

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City. trimblefunerals.com