Born June 21, 1932 in Carroll County, Georgia to Horace Ayers Blair and Tommie Lou Dyer Blair, Melba was the youngest of seven children. After the death of her mother when Melba was 11 months old, her eldest sister, Hazel Blair (Griffis) took on the role of loving mother to Melba and her siblings. Hazel was only 10 years-old.

Melba married William Eugene Hay of Carrollton, Georgia on February 4, 1950, after moving to Arcata. Together they traveled many places across the country, meeting many people along the way. Melba is survived by her children, Dale Eugene Hay, Sr., and family, Debra Hay Quigley and family, Douglas Hay, and Juli Misbach and family. Melba had seven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and ten great-great-grandchildren, all of whom called her “Nana.” Melba is also survived by over thirty nieces and nephews from California, Georgia and Australia. She also leaves behind a very special friend, Leona Miltimore of Willits.

Melba is preceded in death by her parents, siblings, husband, and first-born grandson, Dale Eugene Hay, Jr.

The family would like to thank Pastor Chuck Clark of the Wesleyan Church of the Redwoods in Mckinleyville, Dr. Judy Burns, St. Joseph Oncology, MRCH Home Health and Hospice of Humboldt County. We are truly indebted to Hospice of Humboldt for their exceptional care and help in our difficult time. A very special thank-you to Angel Stevens, for the loving care and warm friendship you shared with our mom.

A Celebration of Melba’s Life will be held on June 15, 2019, from 12-2 p.m., at the Wesleyan Church of the Redwoods, 1645 Fischer Ave., McKinleyville. Please join the family for lunch after the service.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Melba’s name to Hospice of Humboldt, 3327 Timber Falls Ct. Eureka, 95503.