Melva Jean Powers, age 92, of Risingsun, Ohio passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at her home. She was born on January 23, 1932, to the late Charles W. & Mamie (Wittenmyer) Phillips. Melva married Norman D. Powers in 1956, at the former Gibsonburg U B Church, and they later divorced.
Surviving Melva are her sons, Norman (Cindy) Powers of Helena, Alan Powers of Bowling Green; grandchildren, Julie Powers, David Powers, Brandon (Rachael) Powers; great-granddaughter, Raeya. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles & Mamie; daughter, Marsha Powers; brothers, Cloyce Phillips, Merle Phillips, and infant brother, Earl Phillips.
Melva was a 1950 graduate of Gibsonburg High School and worked 20+ years in various positions in the Tool and Die industry. She also had a huge involvement in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio Program, where she founded the Bowling for Kids Event. Melva attended the Plain Congregational Church in Bowling Green and the Mt. Zion United Brethren Church near Wayne where she enjoyed playing the organ and piano. She also had a special talent for playing the accordion, had a passion for sewing and rug making, and thoroughly enjoyed traveling and spending time with her family.
Friends will be received from 2-4 & 6-8 PM on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at Barndt Funeral Home in Wayne, Ohio, where a Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 11 AM. Memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, Sandusky County Humane Society, or Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwestern Ohio. Online condolences can be sent to Melva’s family at www.barndtfuneralhome.org.
