Melva Martin

Melva Martin, 80, of Rossville, passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2017, with her family by her side. Melva was born on June 20, 1936, in Villa Acuña, Coahuila, Mexico, the daughter of Rene and Victoriana Garza Prado. She graduated from Morgan City High School in Morgan City LA at the age of 16. After graduation she moved to Hutchinson KS. Melva married George Martin on August 15, 1956, and they had five children together, Mary Christopher (Craig), Silver Lake, Mark Martin (Anne), Olathe, Micah Martin, Oklahoma City, Myna Anderson (John), Tashkent, Uzbekistan and George Martin, Roeland Park. Melva worked for St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Hutchinson, Clara Barton Hospital in Hoisington and, after the divorce, for Dr. Olmstead and Dr. Hassan in Wichita. Melva started the Kid’s Wrestling program in Hoisington. After her retirement, Melva moved to Rossville. She was a faithful member of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Great Bend and Grace Episcopal Church in Hutchinson. Melva loved to read, listen to music, watch sports and travel but most of all she loved spending time with her family and her grandchildren. She opened her home to other children who became part of the family, including, Oscar Sanchez, Suzie Williams and many others. Melva was charming, fun and had an endearing sense of humor. She was dearly loved and will be sorely missed. Melva had nine grandchildren, Luke Martin, Olivia VanVactor (Darin), Michael Christopher (Jaimie), Andrew Christopher, Nick Martin (Amanda), Hannah Lopez (Nick), Jackson Martin, Alex Martin and Haley Martin; five great-grandsons and one great-granddaughter; and brothers, Rene, Marin and Raul Prado. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Robert Prado. Family will greet friends from 4:30-5:30 Friday at Kevin Brennan Family Funeral Home, 2801 SW Urish Road, Topeka KS 66614, with funeral service following at 5:30 p.m. As the weather gets nicer the family will host a gathering to celebrate Melva’s life. Memorial contributions may be made to The Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, sent in care of the funeral home.

Melva Martin

June 20, 1936 - January 11, 2017