LARNED — Melba Lucille Woods, 95, passed away July 13, 2024 at Diversicare of Larned.

She was born March 4, 1929 in St. John, the daughter of Charles W. and Anna C. Schmer Schmidt.

An area resident since 1953, she was a hairdresser for 44 years. She enjoyed attending numerous churches and was a member of First Christian Church, past member of Saints Mary and Martha of Bethany Episcopal Church and Escue Chapel CME Church, Order of the Eastern Star, Santa Fe Trail Center-Fort Larned Historical Society, and organized the Broadway Bells. A local philanthropist, she helped with the move of the Escue Church in 2006 to the Santa Fe Trail Center, in 2008 she built the Dale and Melba Woods Farm and Auto Museum, and in 2010 built the Dale and Melba Woods Fitness Center. 

On Dec. 31, 1952 she married Dale Woods at Tunica, Miss.; he preceded her in death on Dec. 28, 1998.

Survivors include her loving family and her dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and three brothers, Warren Schmidt, Raymond Schmidt, and Edward Schmidt.

Funeral Service will be 11 a.m. Friday, July 19, 2024 at Beckwith Mortuary Chapel, Larned, with Pastor Damon Bradley presiding. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 18, 2024 at Beckwith Mortuary. Burial will be in Iuka Cemetery, Iuka.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to First Christian Church or Santa Fe Trail Center in care of Beckwith Mortuary, P.O. Box 477, Larned, KS 67550. Personal condolences may be left at www.beckwithmortuary.com. 

Funeral arrangements provided by

Beckwith Mortuary 

P.O. Box 477 

Larned, KS 67550

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, July 18, 2024