Melba E. Hill

HILL, BRENNER, BROWN, SHWEDO, MONFORT, PEACOCK

Posted By: Volunteer
Date: 9/26/2006 at 19:13:59

Melba Hill

Melba E. Hill, wife of the late Sherman A. Hill, 88, of Ridge Manor West, went to be with her Lord Tuesday, August 1, 2006, at Brooksville (Fla.) Regional Hospital.

Melba was born in Spring Grove, Minn., and graduated from Luther College in Decorah. Melba and her husband started the Waukon Livestock Market, which today is the largest livestock market in the US. They moved to Florida in 1962 and started the Hillcrest Livestock Market and Steakhouse and Ridge Manor West Health Spa. In 1970, they began developing Ridge Manor West and were founding members of the First Lutheran Church of Ridge Manor West. She was a past member of the church council and sang in the choir. She was a member of the Pilot Club and Beta Sigma Phi in Brooksville.

Melba was known as a very elegant and traditional lady who would do anything for anyone. She enjoyed entertaining, traveling (nearly around the world with her husband), and spending time with family and friends. In her private time she enjoyed working crossword puzzles. Melba was a loving and caring wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend who will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her two sons, Dave and his wife Liz of Sherman Hills and Steve and his wife Jody of Spring Lake; four grandchildren, Marti and her husband David Brenner of Palm City, Fla., Michelle and her husband Carl Brown of Oviedo, Fla., Suzanne and her husband Eric "Tubby" Shwedo of Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas, and Amanda and her husband Luis Martinez-Monfort of Tampa, Fla.; seven great-grandchildren; her sister, Esther Peacock; two sisters-in-law, Delores and Audrey of Spring Grove; and three nephews, Mark, John, and Blaine.

A celebration of life ceremony was held in her honor at First Lutheran Church, Ridge Manor West, Friday, August 4, with Pastor Tim Zoruba officiating. Melba was laid to rest in a private ceremony at Chapel Hill Cemetery. Donations may be made in Melba's honor to the Memorial Fund at First Lutheran Church. Brewer Funeral Homes and Cremation Services was in charge of arrangements.

Waukon Standard, August 30, 2006