Melba Roybal Medina, age 87, passed away on March 29, 2026, in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Born and raised in Peñasco, New Mexico, Melba was the heart of her family-a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt whose life was defined by unconditional love, warmth, and steady faith in the people she cared for most.

Melba shared 65 beautiful years of marriage with her beloved husband, J.D. Medina. Together they built a life centered on family, hard work, and showing up for one another in the ways that mattered most. Melba had a special gift for caring for children-especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren-and she made everyone around her feel safe, seen, and deeply loved. To know Melba was to know a source of light: comforting, generous, and always present.

She was famous for being her family's loudest cheerleader. Whether it was her children or grandchildren playing sports, Melba was there-proud, excited, and full of joy. Family gatherings were her favorite place to be, and she treasured time spent together, laughing, visiting, and making memories.

Melba also found joy in the simple pleasures of life. She loved dancing, sewing, playing cards, baking, and watching the Lobos. She enjoyed going to yard sales, and she never turned down a sweet treat. She loved flowers, and she brought that same beauty and brightness into the lives of everyone who knew her.

Melba is survived by her husband of 65 years, J.D. Medina; her children Liz Latino (Frank), Dolores Slough (Ross), and Stephanie McCutcheon (Reuben Sr.); her grandchildren Andrew Medina, Felisha Ortiz (Nick), Christian Slough, Victoria Vigil (Jacob), Carissa Latino, Frank "Frankie" Latino, Reuben McCutcheon Jr., and Jose McCutcheon; and her great-grandchildren Aubrie Ortiz, Jacob Vigil Jr., Olivia Ortiz, Elam Vigil, and Finnley Vigil. She is also survived by her siblings Mabel Segura, Ruth Schettler, Edwina Dominguez (Jerry), sister-in-laws Lillian and Marilou Roybal, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her son, Jose D. Medina Jr.; her parents Rafael and Claudina Roybal; her brothers Jose and John Roybal; and her sisters Adonilla Travis and Laura Sines.

A viewing will be held Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. followed by a Rosary at 6:00 p.m. at French Funerals - Westside Chapel. 

A Rosary will be held Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at 12:00 pm at St. Anthony's Church in Peñasco, New Mexico.

A graveside service will be held Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at Santa Fe National Cemetery.

Melba's love will continue to live on in every story told and every family gathering. She will be deeply missed and forever cherished.