Melba Ricard, 82, of Burbank, Washington, passed away in her home on February 25. She was born on March 8, 1943 in Sugartown, Louisiana to Ethel and Elmer Watson. Melba graduated from Columbia High School in 1961.

In her youth, Melba loved to go out dancing at the Tri City Center in Kennewick, where she met the love of her life, Jim, at 14 years old. Their love story continued into 1962 when they married, and became parents in 1968. Melba loved the Lord, her family, and friends dearly; she devoted her life to caring for those around her and did so beautifully.

Melba was a beloved wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, sister, and friend. She was preceded in death by her parents; brother David; and sisters Bonnie and Joy. She was survived by her husband, Jim; sons Ronnie (Ronda) Ricard and Douglas (Gina) Ricard;sisters Laurette and Opal; nieces and nephews Liz, Pat, Kurt, and Lorinda; grandchildren, Emma, Sophia, Sam, Bailey, and Taylor; and great-grandson, Vincent.

"Love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:4-7