Ruth D. Melton

MELTON - Ruth Melton, age 88, a resident of Albuquerque, passed away on Saturday, June 5, 2010. She is survived by her spouse of 68 years, Wayne Melton; children, Jennifer Shelhamer and husband Don of Soddy-Daisy, TN; David Melton and wife Myrna of Woodbridge, VA; Pam Melton of Albuquerque; grandchildren, Alison Melton of Highlands Ranch, CO; Heather Klocke and husband Josh of Bothell, WA; Kelly Ryan and husband Jud of Arlington, VA; Ryan Shelmamer of Tucson, AZ; Ruth O'Brien and husband Jake of Louisville, KY; John Shelhamer of Soddy-Daisy, TN; and Hilary Melton of Lakewood, CO; and great-grandchildren, Riley and Kendall Klocke of Bothell, WA. She was predeceased by her parents, Joe and Myrtle Dudek and sisters, Dorothy Wade and Joy Chapman. She was a loving and devoted wife. She loved being around her children and grandchildren, was entertained by them all, proud of their accomplishments, and was a great role model for them. Ruth received her degree from Southwestern State College in Weatherford, OK, and went on with Wayne to complete a series of electrical engineering courses at the University of Oklahoma during WWII. They were subsequently assigned to the electronic engineering laboratory at Wright Field near Dayton, OH. She and Wayne moved to Alamogordo in 1954 where they raised their three children, and moved to Albuquerque in 1983. Ruth had limitless talents. She was a meticulous seamstress, loving to make clothes and other items for her family and friends and costumes for numerous organizations. She was known as a great cook by all who knew her, and thoroughly enjoyed preparing meals and sharing her table with countless friends over the years. She also had a "green thumb" for growing beautiful flowers, especially roses. Visitation will be at the French ~ Lomas Chapel, 10500 Lomas Blvd NE on Tuesday, June 8, 2010 from 1:00 - 4:00 with Funeral services to follow at Hope Evangelical Free Church, 4710 Juan Tabo Blvd at 6:00 p.m. with Dr. Gary Hamburger officiating. Interment will take place at Greenwood Cemetery in Weatherford, OK on Thursday, June 10 at 10:00 a.m.