Melba Caufield (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Melba D. Caufield, daughter of Charles and Amanda Hall, was born August 8, 1923, in Hollywood, Tennessee. She departed this life Friday, June 24, 2011, in her home, in Springfield, Missouri, at the age of eighty-seven years, ten months, and sixteen days.
On February 14, 1952, she was united in marriage to James H. Caufield, and they shared the last fifty-nine years.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Richard Hall, during World War II; and a great-granddaughter, Britney Hatten.
Melba is survived by her husband, James, of the home; two daughters, Martha Hurt, and her husband, Frank, of Springfield, Missouri, and Georgia Hatten, and her husband, Tom, of Melbourne, Florida; three sons, Richard Justice, and his wife, Mary Ann, of Akron, Pennsylvania, Daniel Caufield, and his wife, Kathryn, of Portland, Oregon, and Joe Caufield, and his significant other, Rebecca, of Lebanon, Missouri; eleven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; a brother, Raymond “Bud” Hall, and his wife, Jean, of Springfield, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
She was raised in Lebanon, Missouri, and graduated from Lebanon High School in the Class of 1941. After she and James were married, they made their home on their dairy farm in the Lebanon area, and lovingly raised their family. Throughout the years, Melba was a devoted homemaker to her husband and family. In 1985, Melba and James moved to Springfield, Missouri, and made their home..
Melba was a member of St. Francis DeSales Catholic Church in Lebanon, and had attended Holy Trinity Catholic Church, in Springfield, Missouri.
In her spare time she enjoyed collecting dolls, and was a gifted seamstress. She was an excellent cook and truly loved family gatherings. She was a perfectionist in everything she did, and considered motherhood her highest calling. She loved her family dearly and especially enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Melba was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and know that her family and friends will cherish the wonderful memories she created for them throughout the years.
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