Dianna Hope Melton passed away on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at the age of 72. She was born in Magee, Mississippi on January 5, 1949 to Joseph B. Martin and Ethel Mae Martin.

At the age of two Dianna’s family left there farm in Mississippi and moved to California for her father to work in the lumber industry in Eureka. Dianna resided there until her death.

Dianna graduated Eureka High School in 1967 and married Grady Melton on March 8, 1969 in Eureka by Rev. Max Kell from Pinehill Baptist Church.

She started her daycare in 1973 and was planning to retire this year. Over 40 years she had numerous kids and families that were very special to her. “Mema” is what she was known to them all. She was so selfless and was always there for anybody with anything that they needed. She was so loved and had so much love to give back.

She loved her Southern roots and enjoyed going to visit family in Mississippi with her sister, June.

She attended Apostolic Faith Church most of her life and loved her church family and friends too.

She is survived by her five children; Mark Melton, Kathy Giacone, Clint Melton, Amanda Griffith, and Ericka Melton. Grandchildren; NaKaylee Coleman, Shelby Giacone, Jackson Giacone, Riley Doyle, Brent Doyle, Kenzie Doyle, Carolina Melton, and Aviannah Hodge. Great-granddaughter Stella Miller and her sister June Wickberg. Nieces and nephews: Kay Armas, Sammy Wickberg, Christopher Martin, Jerome Martin, Sara Leslie, and Ryan Swarts which they referred to her as “Aunt DeeDee.” And many cousins from Mississippi.

She is preceded in death by her parents Joseph B. Martin and Ethel Mae Martin, her brother Danny Martin, her sister Connie Swarts and the father of her five children, Grady Melton.

Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life for Dianna Melton “Mema” on Saturday, August 14, 2021 from 1 to 3 p.m. at 1748 Thelma Street in Fortuna.

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