Melva R. Chamberlain, 97, died Monday, Oct. 23, 2024, in El Dorado, Kansas. She was born Feb. 8, 1926, in Ellsworth, Kansas, to Allan and Freda (Milbradt) Sheridan. On Nov. 29, 1945, she married Willard Chamberlain at Rosston, Arkansas, and he preceded her in death.
Melva attended First Baptist Church in Newton before moving to El Dorado to be closer to family. She was a retail clerk at the former J.C. Penny store in Newton and served elders working in the kitchen at the Newton Presbyterian Manor. She and her husband were actively involved and supported the Newton Area Senior Center. Traveling was a great joy, and she especially enjoyed her time exploring the East Coast.
Melva’s greatest joy was family, and she looked forward to spending time with her loving children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation for the care given to Melva by the staff of Interim Healthcare and Hospice
She is survived by her daughters, Vicky Wiebe and Connie Brown; son, Wayne Chamberlain; and two sisters, Edith Hummer and Sharon Scott. She is also survived by six grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
Melva was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one brother, Dean Sheridan.
Funeral service will be at 2 p.m., Friday, Oct. 27, at Petersen Funeral Home Chapel, with Chaplain Greg Schmidt officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery, Newton. Visitation will be 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday evening at Petersen Funeral Home, with the family receiving friends from 6 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital or Disabled American veterans.
