Melvena J. Shondel, 90, a resident of Fairfield, passed away Friday, May 24, 2024 at her home. 
A Celebration of Life will be held from 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 210 S. 15th St. in Fairfield. She will be laid to rest at Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Fairfield at a later date. Memorials may be made to the family or to Stead Family Children’s Hospital in care of Gail McClaran, 210 S. 15th St. Fairfield, Iowa 52556. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family with arrangements.
Melvena was born November 2, 1933 in Stockport, the daughter of William Melvin and Helen Opal (Weaver) Roberts. Throughout her life she worked at Universal, JB Plastics, and Crane Valve in Washington. She enjoyed her flowers, drinking coffee, and visiting with friends and family.
Those left to honor her memory include her daughters, Gail (Pete) McClaran of Fairfield, and Suzie (Robert) McLeod of Independence, Missouri; six grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and four great-great grandchildren; sisters, Twyla (Art) Wild, Charlotte Potts, Roxanne (Denny) McDole, and Deanna (Randy) Cooksey; brothers, Howard (Kathy) Garrison and Alvin Garrison.
She was preceded in death by her parents; life-long companion, John Henry Harper; brother, Ike Garrison; sisters, Helen Wilkinson and Virgina Essary; and daughter and son-in-law, Gloria and Robert Combs.
Online condolences may be made to Melvena’s family by viewing her obituary at www.behnerfh.com