Melba June Shewmaker

Melba June Shewmaker of Bentonville, Arkansas passed away Saturday, May 25, 2024 at home. She was born June 25, 1938 at home near Phillipsburg, Missouri to the late Robert Earl and Melvina Henson Prosser.

Melba married Jackie Clifford Shewmaker, her high school sweetheart, on March 16, 1958. They were married 52 years before his passing in 2010. She was proceeded in death by her parents, husband, and brother Marvin Earl Prosser.

She was raised on a farm in rural Missouri and was a cosmetologist. She had a passion for sewing, refinishing furniture and was an artist. Melba was a long time member of Bentonville First Baptist Church and of the Bentonville Garden Club. She self published a book, Barns of Benton County, comprised of her photos taken between 1970 and 2016. The Shewmaker's also owned and operated Jacs Ranch from 1977 until her death.

Her marriage was a partnership with Jack that enabled his success in retail, first as 'retail nomads' moving multiple times across the country before settling in Bentonville in 1970. He thrived as a senior leader at Walmart with her as a true partner. After his retirement they traveled the world and enjoyed numerous domestic trips in their recreation vehicle. Family gatherings and family trips were important to her to build memories.

She is survived by three children and their spouses. Daniel and Dayle Shewmaker of Bentonville, Shari and Lamar Steiger of Bentonville and Emily and Keith Bremer of Rogers, AR, ten grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren.

The family is planning a private service at the Bentonville City Cemetery. Cards of sympathy can be mailed to to the family at PO Box 1476, Bentonville, AR 72712 and memorials should be directed to Mercy Hospital Foundation Northwest Arkansas, PO Box 98, Rogers, AR 72757 www.mercyhealthfoundation.net/nwa or to The Circle of Life at www.nwacircleoflife.com

Melba never missed sending a card to her friends and family for every birthday, anniversary and important occasion. She will always be remembered fondly as a servant leader to her family, for her kindness, thoughtfulness and generosity.