Melba Herring, 94, of rural Wathena passed away at her home on Saturday, June 8, 2024.

She was born October 29, 1929, the daughter of William R. Talkington and Blanche Howe Talkington. She grew up in Centralia, Kansas where she attended school with the class of 1946.

She was a member of the New Life Church in Blair, Ks.

She married Jay A. Herring on September 7, 1946. He preceded her in death on September 26, 2003. Melba was also preceded in death by her parents, a brother, Charles William Talkington and a daughter in law, Billee Herring. Six sisters in laws and many brothers in laws nieces and nephews.

Melba was a very hard worker. Opening her own beauty shop, Mel- Hair Fashions, in Wathena in 1968 all while working on the farm raising cattle, pigs, dogs and four children. Survivors include William Jay Herring (Jodi), Kenneth Eugene Herring (Lisa), Joyce Ann Miller (Greg) and Frank Lynn Herring. Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren and Great Great Grands. Two sister in laws June Ashley and Nelda MacMillan. Many nieces and nephews.

Melba and Jay worked tirelessly with the VFW on all levels in the state of Kansas. They had a mission to honor those men and women for their service and sacrifices made to their country. Both serving as state presidents of the Post and Auxiliary.

Celebration of Melba- Eternal Life service will be held at 10:30 am Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at the Chapel Oaks funeral home in Highland. Burial will follow in the Highland Cemetery.

Friends may call at the funeral home after 12 noon Tuesday where the family will receive friends from 6:00-7:30 pm on Tuesday.

Memorials are suggested to the Wathena EMS or the Troy EMS and may be sent in care of the funeral home - PO Box 33, Highland, Kansas 66035

A special message may be sent to the family at www.chapeloaksfuneralhome.com