Melba Leone Jenson Gulliver, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, aunt, neighbor, and friend passed away peacefully in Pasco, Washington on August 17, 2025, just 27 days prior to her 100th birthday. Though she may no longer be with us, her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.

Melba's story began on Sept. 13, 1925 in Salt Lake City Utah. She was born to immigrant parents, Charles Alfred Jenson and Daisy Minnie Grayston. She joined an older sister Doris and later a younger brother William (Bill).

Raised during the challenging era of the Great Depression, Melba learned the value of hard work from an early age. Despite the hardships of the times, she often reminisced fondly about her childhood, delivering milk to neighbors and attending her beloved church activities.

As the world embroiled in WWII, Melba became a scholar at South High School in Salt Lake City and was able to graduate early and start work at Sears & Roebuck. She always excelled in math and was hired in the accounting department working 5 ½ days a week for $18 a week at the age of 17. She stayed busy socializing with other church young women while so many young men were called to war.

In 1945 she was introduced to her half-sister's brother-in-law, Victor Robert Gulliver who had recently returned from overseas combat. Their romance took place in Salt Lake and then long distance as Victor lived in California. A ring in a jewelry box and an acceptance by telegram started their journey in life. They were married May 10, 1946 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.

California became their home where they welcomed and raised three children; Gayle, Claudia and Tom. They had the unique opportunity of raising the children while living on the Pierce Agriculture College campus in one of two homes on campus where Vic was the farm manager. Living on a 460 acre college campus brought many unique challenges and opportunities for Melba as she shared her homemaking skills and her ability to talk and enjoy many young people through the years.

Melba's children and grandchildren:

Gayle born in 1948 married Merlin Tobler (Kearney, MO) and have Robert, Michelle, Lisa, Wendy and Matthew

Claudia born 1955 married David Wilson (Pasco, WA) and have VaLynn, Brian, Kaylene, Kimberly, Elise, Crystal and Michael

Thomas born 1959 married Kathy Koch (Santa Maria, CA) and have Heather, Cherie, Jamie and Nikki

Melba has 16 grandchildren, 53 great grandchildren and 10 great-great grandchildren all of whom she loved and made blankets for through the years.

Melba found much joy and purpose in her faith as a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and in her community. She served in California, Utah and Washington in callings with children, Relief Society President, compassionate service leader and visiting teacher. She loved family history and was often found at her computer researching distant relatives.

She was an active member of the Senior Center in Pasco and Richland sharing her talents with others and spreading her ever present smile.

After Vic's passing in 2005 she continued her family history work in the LDS Family History library faithfully every week. She was an avid quilt maker and shared her sewing with so many in the family and community. Melba loved her grandchildren and was such a support, caring for new babies and watching each one grow up. She kept track with detail of their accomplishments, schooling and successes. She loved all of them so much and is so proud of each one.

As we gather to honor Melba's memory, let us celebrate the extra ordinary life of a woman who exemplified strength, grace, selfless service and love.

The family gathered for a family reunion on July 19th this year to honor her and give her our last hugs and kisses as she approached her 100th birthday. All her children, grandchildren and many great grandchildren were present to share memories of her life and to continue her legacy of family love. We were so honored to have her sweet smile and her blowing of kisses during the weekend.

There will be a viewing held at Mueller's Greenlee Funeral Home, 1608 West Court Street in Pasco, Washington 99301, on Friday August 22, from 5-8 PM. A family graveside service will be held the following day at City View Cemetery at 10:00 AM.

The family expresses our deep gratitude to friends and church members who have served Melba through the years and to the nurses and caregivers for their loving care. A special thank you to Claudia and David for their years of compassionate service to Melba and Victor in their later years.

Melba was preceded in death by her husband Victor, father Charles, mother Daisy, sister Doris Taylor, brother William Jenson and grandson Brian Wilson. We are comforted by our knowledge of the joyous reunion she is having with them all.