Melba Blair

Melba Seegmiller Blair Price / Ogden-Melba Seegmiller Blair, age 98, passed away on February 16, 2014. Melba was born on July 17, 1915, in Richfield, Utah, to Mary Ann Ence and Joseph Watson Seegmiller, the tenth of 13 children. She spoke often of growing up in a bustling household in Ogden under the loving care of her mother and of her childhood memories with her younger sister, Cullen. Melba married her sweetheart Paul Julian Blair on October 22, 1937, in Ogden, Utah. Sealed in the Logan LDS Temple on December 9, 1963. Her greatest joy in life was the love she shared with Paul. She spent their early years of marriage awaiting his return as he served in World War II. Their time together carried them from Ogden to Helper to Cedar City and, finally, back to Ogden where Paul worked at the Internal Revenue Service while Melba cared for their two children. Paul and Melba served together as Sunday School teachers for 10 and 11 year olds for 27 years. In their later years, the two cherished their daily walks together, hand-in-hand, on the sidewalks near Lorin Farr Park and along the Ogden River. Melba often spoke longingly of returning to Paul after he passed in 2005. Melba combined sage wisdom with a child-like adventure and enthusiasm. She played Peter Pan with her grandchildren and romped with them through the flooded yard on irrigation days. She had a collection of toys for the grandchildren which rivaled any department store display. For her grandchildren, there was no greater treat than a visit to Grandma's house complete with back rubs during the evening news, the smell of the canyon breeze in the morning, and fresh grapefruit for breakfast. A breast cancer survivor, Melba knew the trials of surgery, chemotherapy, recovery, and she imparted her remarkable strength and peace to family and friends. Melba lived her final years at the Heirloom Inn in Price. She appreciated the many friendships shared with her fellow residents and staff. Melba is survived by her daughter Sharon (Dr. Ted) Madsen, and her son Dr. Gregory (Shelley) Blair, as well as nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Private family graveside service will be held at the Ogden City Cemetery. Services are in the care of Fausett Mortuary. Family and friends may sign the guestbook and share memories of Melba at www.fausettmortuary.com.