of Fort Smith, AR

January 22, 1928 - September 4, 2015

Melba N. McKeen, 87 of Fort Smith, formerly of Los Angeles, California passed away on Friday, September 4, 2015 in Barling. She was born on January 22, 1928 in Paris, Arkansas to her parents James Walter and Ethel (Ray) McKeen. Melba was a 1945 graduate of Paris High School and also a graduate of Hendrix College in Conway. Melba was a retired school teacher for the Los Angeles Unified School District, where she lived and taught for many years. Melba was a member of California's Teacher Retirement Association, several civic organizations in the Los Angeles area, collector of Native American art and remained a member of the First Christian Church in Paris while residing in California. Melba loved Los Angeles and all that the city had to offer especially attending the Philharmonic Orchestra concerts and traveling with close friends Mary and Carolyn.

She is preceded in death by her parents, James Walter and Ethel (Ray) McKeen; three sisters, Minazelle Wiggins, Celestine Wiggins and Betty Hardwicke and three nephews, Jim Bridges, Hershel Wiggins and John Hardwicke.

She is survived by her nieces, Mary Ann Willhite of Paris, Beth Butler of New Blaine, Jane Ann Koch of Paris; her nephews, Dr. Bill Wiggins of Little Rock, Tom Wiggins of Booneville, Dr. Ted Wiggins of Springdale, Bob Hardwicke of Paris and Bryan Hardwicke of Paris.
Graveside service will be held at 2:30 p.m., on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at Oakwood Cemetery officiated by Rev. H.C. Varnadore under the direction of Roller Funeral Home in Paris.

Pallbearers will be Dr. Bill Wiggins, Tom Wiggins, Dr. Ted Wiggins, Bob Hardwicke, Bryan Hardwicke and Deacon Hardwicke.

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