Melba A DiBuduo

Melba A. DiBuduo was born on November 2, 1924, in Clovis, California to Kenneth Wheeler and Adalia Josephine Higgins. She passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026.

She was married to Angelo Joseph DiBuduo and together farmed Thompson Seedless grapes in Fresno and Madera Counties for 63 years, and an avid supporter of the Fresno State Bulldog Foundation. She was a graduate of Roosevelt High School.

Melba enjoyed hosting along with Angelo "DiBuduo Family Reunions" every 4th of July, which were held at their home in Madera. She also loved traveling to Aruba with family for many years to meet up with her brother and his family.

She was preceded in death by Angelo Joseph DiBuduo her loving husband for over 63 years, whom she met at the "Rainbow Ballroom", and by her parents, Kenneth and Adalia Higgins McKenzie, her sister, Alma Jean Bray and her brother, Kenneth Dale Higgins, her Niece Erin Higgins, her Granddaughter, Melanie DiBuduo and her Great Grandson, Evan Gutierrez.

She is survived by her three children: daughters, Sharon Krause of Clovis, Maureen and her husband Dwane Strickland, of Fresno, son, Maurice and his wife Marie of Fresno. Eleven grandchildren, Quentin and Raymond Krause III, Jason and Andrea Strickland, Mauro DiBuduo, Melissa Perez, Vanessa Seely, Michelle Gutierrez, Oscar Luna II, Ashley Luna, and Kimberly Williams. 23 great-grandchildren, Riley and Logan Krause, Haley Krause, Tyler Krause, Stacey and Junior Cruz, Sidney and Ashley Strickland, Ashden Jace (AJ DiBuduo) Olivia, Preston and Jayden Perez, Gavin and Madelyn Seely, Vivianna and Lilian Gutierrez, Aria Luna, Kent, Cole, Eloise, Abigail and Sarah Williams and many nieces and nephews.

Thank you for the loving home health care given by Mary Gonzalez, Phaige, Samantha and Melina and to the nurses and staff at the California Armenian Home, SNF, and a special thank you to all the staff at Saint Agnes Hospice for their compassion and dedication to mom's care.

Jay Chapel in Madera, CA will be providing funeral services which will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, March 9, 2026, at St Peters Catholic Cemetery in Fresno at the Chapel, located inside the St Anthony Mausoleum.

In lieu of flower, remembrances may be made to Saint Agnes Home Health & Hospice or Valley Children's Hospital or St. Judes Children's Research Hospital.