Melva Vonabelle (Evans) Botts, 89

Melva Vonabelle Botts, 89 of W Richland, Washington, passed away on Monday, April 18, 2016. Born November 13, 1926 in Flora, Oregon, she was the daughter of late Amos Franklin Evans and Stella Elizabeth “Lindley” Evans. 

She was married to her late husband Farald Alfred Botts on February 11, 1947 just short of 50 years. Melva is survived by her children, Daina Sue and husband Bill Moore of Yakama, WA. ; Steve Farald Botts and wife Susan Botts of Post Falls, ID.; Cindy Lou and husband Steve Montgomery of Ellensburg, WA.; Barbara Ann and husband Mark Chivers of W Richland, WA.; Shelby Lynn and husband Don Robison of Ellensburg, WA..

Also surviving is her sister Ella “Ken”Zollman of Arizona, 11 Grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren.

Melva was preceded in death by her husband Farald, parents Amos and Stella Evans, brothers Rodney and Lawrence Evans.

Melva attended Enterprise high school where she graduated in May 19, 1944 during this time she also worked on the family ranch in Enterprise, Oregon.  Melva spent time traveling in Colorado and California after graduation.  Melva and Farald moved to Kennewick, WA where they owned and operated the “Union 76 Station”.

Later Melva and Farald moved to Ellensburg, WA with the children.  Farald joined the professional “Iron Workers Union” constructing multiple Dams on the Columbia and Snake River.  This allowed Melva to enjoy the northwest as she would travel with Farald.  When Farald passed away in December of 1996 Melva made the decision to sell the family home in Ellensburg and purchase her home in W. Richland, WA to be close to her daughters Barbara and Shelby.

Melva enjoyed working on the family ranch, apparent by all the stories shared with family and friends. She played the piano and accordion.   At a young age she developed her GREEN THUMB, always to be a passion of hers.  A necessity in her day also was to become handy with a needle and thread.  She was an excellent seamstress.  She made from curtains to a daughter’s wedding dress. She loved to crochet and delighted kids and grandkids with slippers, afghans, Christmas ornaments and cuddly animals. She enjoyed with her family rodeos, camping, many card and board games. She also loved to attend reunions at Flora School, Family Reunions at Emigrant Springs, and Wallowa Lake. Melva loved family and friends. Her door was always open and her table always had food and room for anyone who just showed up.

Family wishes to thank all of those who cared for her over the last 6 months. Melva leaves many loving memories to be cherished by all.

Family and friends are invited to attend Melva’s memorial on May 21^st at 1:00 pm at West Richland Golf Course   Address 4000 Fallon Drive West Richland, WA.