of Harrison, AR
May 18, 1925 - January 1, 2022
Melba Lea Holland, a long-time resident of Harrison, died at Hillcrest Nursing Home on Saturday, January 1, 2022, at the age of 96. She was born on May 18, 1925, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Melba was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Gertrude (Rodgers) Barnes; her husband, Richard Holland; and four half-brothers.
Melba received her high school diploma from Clarksville High School in Clarksville, Arkansas in 1943. Melba met Vernon Howard Smothers while both were working at an egg drying plant in Harrison during the summer of 1943 and married in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on December 7, 1947. They had two daughters and were married until they divorced in 1977. Melba was employed in various positions including as a defense worker, cashier, and secretary. She retired from Head Start in 1990 after 15 years of employment.
Melba married Richard Afton Holland, of Newton County, Arkansas, on August 11, 1977. She and Richard enjoyed traveling, researching genealogy, visiting National Parks, rock-hounding, and riding steam trains and riverboats.
Melba co-founded a folk and gospel group named the Mountain Melody Makers. For 20 years, she enjoyed playing the mountain dulcimer and the mandolin with the group at Dogpatch and surrounding festivities. In addition to music, Melba enjoyed reading, sewing, genealogy, and creating gemstone jewelry. She served as secretary for the local AARP Chapter and as a board member of the Boone County Museum.
Melba is survived by her daughters and son-in-law, Gail and Steve Chaney of Pagosa Springs, Colorado and Linda Woodworth of Harrison; her grandchildren and their spouses, Keith and Ventura Alford of Rogers, Arkansas, Jarrett and Denise Chaney of Pagosa Springs, Colorado, Jesse and Kristin Chaney of Helena, Montana, and Victoria Chaney of Portland, Oregon; and five great-grandchildren. Melba is also survived by her step-children, Rose Watabe, Juanita Holland, and Robert Holland, all of Fairbanks, Alaska, and David Holland, of Omaha, Arkansas.
All services were private.
Memorials in the name of Melba Lea Holland may be made to Hospice of the Hills, PO Box 1927, Harrison, AR 72601.