Celebrating the Life & Legacy of Melba Bernice Guin

August 13, 1928 - October 15, 2026 Melba Guin, 98 years young, went home to be with her Lord and Savior peacefully on October 15, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. A devoted Christian, beloved matriarch, and legendary style icon to all who knew her. Melba lived nearly a century filled with deep faith, boundless love, and exceptional grace. Melba has reveled in her over decade long journey with Bud Bridger, as the last love of her life. Their faith and their dedication to worship, either in daily Bible study or at Sunday Church were pillars in their relationship. That being said, there has always been a healthy competition between them. This was reflected in their nightly domino games and in their choice of rival football teams every season. Bud has been Melba's steadfast companion through her health challenges the last few years as well. She has relied heavily on his expertise as a pharmacist and also as a preacher. To Melba, her life on earth was a little closer to heaven with Bud at her side.

Born in Geronimo, Arizona in 1928, Melba's long and vibrant journey was rooted in her unwavering relationship with God, she lived her faith through action-offering continuous prayer, volunteering and welcoming everyone into her home with warmth and open arms. Her strength and trust in the Lord were the anchor of her family through every season of life.

Beyond her spiritual legacy, Melba will forever be remembered for her sharp wit, infectious joy, and, above all, her iconic hair. Across nine decades, she effortlessly rocked every decade's defining hairstyle-from sock curler curls and glamorous bouffants to 70s waves and perms and her signature, perfectly coiffed modern black updo with the silver streak that proved she was the queen of style. She believed that taking pride in how you presented yourself to the world was an expression of joy, and she never left the house without looking like a million bucks.

Melba found her greatest joys in the simple, beautiful moments of life, Sunday morning worship and Wednesday Hymn Sing gatherings at her home. Quilting was a passion she adored and shared many of her spectacular creations with friends and family members. She was creative as a crafter and also had a successful jewelry business, many people still comment on the parties she threw and the jewelry they still wear to this day. Melba loved her home in Wickenburg, her beautiful yard and her rose garden. She enjoyed living right next door to her sister and brother in law for many years and Aunt Melba's house was the hot spot for visiting and celebrations with the family she loved so much. She also loved long walks in the desert with them and walking the dogs with her friends, often mentioning them as Dog Park friends, people and canines alike. She was also an avid crossword puzzler and was solving puzzles with her daughter even when she could no longer read the words.

Loving to travel as well, she was known to hit the quilt shows and musical events all over Arizona. Melba also loved the outdoors and was an avid adventurer with 25+ years in Alaska. Fishing, camping, boating and snowmachining were every weekend occurrences all over Alaska for her and her family. Her cabin on Harding Lake was her favorite summer retreat where her Alaska family gathered together every weekend with her while her snowbirding days were still active into her 80's. Her travels weren't just limited to the United States, although she traveled all over the US. She also traveled abundantly across the globe, including: Europe, Germany, Sweden, Newfoundland, The Bahamas, Trinidad in the West Indies, The Caribbean and Mexico, maybe more. Her traveling partner Norma was a blessing as a sister in law as they were both widowed they traveled and cruised the world, loving each other's company.

Melba had a large family with deep seated roots in Wickenburg. She loved to tell us about her younger days in Wickenburg when her Dad owned a Barber Shop right downtown and her Mom had a baby clothing store nearby. A favorite story was of her pushing Larry around in his stroller downtown while her father eagle

eyed her outfits, Melba was always pushing the limits, as her father was a preacher himself. Another story of a tragic tanker truck accident that claimed the lives of her Grandma and Grandpa while the family of 4 slept in their home, was one of sadness and was long remembered by Wickenburg folk. There are also stories in her family history around Vulture Mine. Melba's Uncle Delbert owned the mining store for a time in the mid 1900s. And the legend of Jimmy Davis, an earlier Uncle, is still relevant today as it is told that his ghost still haunts Vulture Mine.

Melba was preceded in death by: Father and Mother, Clyde and Pearl Foster. Brother, Kenneth Foster. Sister and Brother in Law, Jeanette and Ray Bingham. Son, Larry Rhody. Step Son, Mark Guin. Ron Rhody and Ed Guin. Her legacy lives on through Her Children: Diana Krambeck (Jeff) Katy Mackin (Tom), Nancy Guin (Mike Ricci) and daughter in law Suzanne Rhody. Her Grandchildren: Tyson, Christian and Alex Rhody, Ronnie, Kaitlyn and Alana Krambeck. Maggie and Kristie Guin and Emily Mackin. Her Great grandchildren: Loch, Kanan and Sabrina Rhody. Elijah, Titus, Tobias Krambeck. Akina Krambeck and Kaleb Goodburn.

While we miss her deeply, we take comfort in knowing she is at rest in eternal glory, welcomed home with the words: "Well done, good and faithful servant." (And undoubtedly showing off the best hair style in heaven.)

John 5:13 ~ I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.

Service Details:

● Celebration of Life: Saturday, November 7th at 1;00. Refreshments will be served after the service.

● Location: Calvary Baptist Church 930 N. Tegner Ave, Wickenburg, AZ

● Memorial Contributions: We ask if you are moved, to wear bright joyful colors and to bring a dessert of your choice to share. Texas Sheetcake will be provided by Jeff & Cindy Hammond.