Melba D. Sears

Beloved matriarch Melba Dorothea Sears (née Menscher), "Dee," passed away in Albuquerque, New Mexico on Thursday, January 7, 2021, at the age of 88. Melba is survived by her children: Susan Marie Sears; Dianna Gertrude Sears; Richard Green Sears Jr. and wife, Therese; and Guy Frederick Sears and husband, Brian Menapace; her grandchildren: Orrin Sears and wife, Lindsay; Katy Sears; and Olivia Garrett (née Sears) and husband, Caleb; her great-grandson, Nash Sears; and her niece, Sheri L. Menscher, plus many other loved family and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband: Richard Green Sears Sr.; her two brothers: Arthur F. Menscher and, wife Ramona Menscher (née Price); and Ralph E. Menscher; and her nephew Brian A. Menscher. Melba was born on a farm in Wentzville, Missouri on November 12, 1932, to Friederich Edward and Maria Dorothea Menscher, "Dora," (née Weinrich).  There, amongst many other skills, she learned her gifts of cooking, sewing, and crocheting that she passed on to each of her children and grandchildren. She moved to St. Louis, Missouri with three friends in 1950 where they shared many good times, according to her memories. On February 15, 1958, she married Richard in a beautiful and self-made navy-blue suit, which was her favorite color.  In fact, her grandchildren cannot remember a time she was not dressed in blue. Melba was a smart, strong, and dignified woman who raised her family as they moved between New Mexico, Arizona, Missouri, Alabama, and Colorado during Richard's army career.  Melba continued her education and earned her Associate Degree in Nursing. She went on to have an illustrious, twenty-four-year career as nurse in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit. Her calm and loving nature made her especially loved by the babies and families for whom she cared. She spent the remainder of her life helping care for her grandchildren and, in her words, "working on genealogy, quilting and traveling and whatever [struck] her fancy."  Melba was loved and her family will miss her more than words can describe.  We are all better for having loved and been loved by her for all these years. Due to current gathering restrictions, memorial services and interment at Santa Fe National Cemetery will be scheduled in the future.  In lieu of flowers or for donations, Melba named KFUO Radio, St. Louis, Missouri; American Red Cross; or the charity of your choice.