Arbella Melton

Arbella Elizabeth Melton, 87, of Salt Lake City, passed away peacefully on December 1st, 2023.

Arbella was born on September 22, 1936, to Carlos and Merejilda Martinez in Questa, New Mexico, the sixth of seven surviving children. After Carlos' death in 1939 Merejilda was left to manage the family and farm. In the 1940s they moved to Grand Junction, Colorado to start a new chapter of their lives.

It was in Grand Junction that Arbella met George Melton, and they married in 1955. Arbella and George had two daughters, Cindy and Joyce. Together they lived in Colorado, California, and eventually settled in the Salt Lake valley. They enjoyed family vacations and many gatherings with cousins.

Archie adored her girls and doted on her grandchildren. She served as the nucleus of her vast extended family; always the point of contact for the latest gossip and a source of comfort and wisdom to all who needed it. The annual family reunion was the highlight of her year, and she delighted in seeing familiar faces and embracing newcomers. Her smile radiated across any room and let all who saw it know they were loved and welcome. She had a deep love for God and found great peace in the teachings of Jesus.

Arbella is survived by her daughters Cindy (Kim Page), Joyce (Stan Delano), grandchildren Tisha, Julie, Jesse, and Shelby; great-grandchildren Dakota, Ryan, Ramsey, Hadley, Archer, Oliver, and great-great-granddaughter Amelia. She joins in heaven her husband George who passed in 1997, as well as her mother Merejilda, father Carlos, sister Eva Herrera, brother Moises Martinez, brother Melecio Martinez, sister Rose Martinez, brother Gasper Martinez, sister Maggie Madrid, and granddaughters Catherine and Crystal Delano.

A viewing and funeral service will be held at McDougal Funeral Home at 9am on December 7th, 2023, 4330 S Redwood Rd, Taylorsville. She will be committed to her final resting place at West Jordan City Cemetery, and a memorial lunch will follow at 1:30pm at McDougal Celebration of Life Center 4306 South Redwood Road, Taylorsville, Utah 84123.

We invite all who loved her to join and share memories at this time.

Join us virtually: https://vimeo.com/event/3935432