May 20, 1940 — Oct. 20, 2018

Melba Edgerly, 78, of Hartford, passed away Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, at her home.

A Celebration of Life Service will be on Friday, Oct. 26, 2018, at 7 p.m. at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St. Dowagiac with Pastor Boyd Saylor officiating. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, from 5 p.m. until the time of the service. Memorial contributions in Melba’s name may be made to the Caring Circle Hospice. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at clarkch.com.

Melba was born May 20, 1940, in Eau Claire to Gail Tidey and Gladys (Brusur) Tidey. Melba was employed as a punch press operator at Consolidated Steel for many years before retirement. On Aug. 31, 1957, Melba married the love of her life Earnest Paul Edgerly in Berrien Center. Melba always put her family first. One of the best times spent with her family was getting together every year making Christmas cookies.

In her spare time, she loved camping, crocheting and traveling, especially to Mackinaw. She could often be found at home watching old Westerns and the Price is Right. Most of all she loved her family and she will be missed by all who knew her.

Melba is survived by her children, Tamara (Robert) Bartak, of Oak Forrest, Illinois, Earnest (Anne) Edgerly, of Sister Lakes, James “Jim” Edgerly, of Sister Lakes and Jeffrey “Jeff” Edgerly, of Keeler. Grandchildren, Jim (Julie), Angela, Tony, Tim (Jessica), Sarah (Eric), Michael, Brian (Hillary), DJ (Andrea); eleven great-grandchildren and sister Sally Waldrop

In addition to her parents, Melba was preceded in death by her husband, Earnest Edgerly and brother Todd Tidey.