Melba Isabelle Motter

Melba I. Motter, 97, of Mesa, AZ, formerly of Clifford, ND, died Tuesday, January 13, 2009, at Banner Hospice Healthcare in Mesa. Melba Isabelle Wright was born on October 24, 1911 the daughter of James R. and Beulah H. (Bloxam) Wright at Dwight, IL. She grew up at Caledonia, ND and graduated from High School there. Melba was united in marriage to Paul F. Motter in her parents home on October 30, 1935. They made their home on their farm near Clifford ND for 66 years spending their winters in Arizona since 1966. May 2001 they moved to Luther Memorial Home in Mayville, ND. Paul passed away October 16, 2001. Melba went to live with her daughter, Miriam and son-in-law, at Mesa AZ December 2002. Melba was active in the Steele County Farm Bureau, Perry Lutheran Church, and as a 4-H leader for many years. She was well known for her large gardens and shared her bountiful produce with friends and neighbors. She made and decorated cakes for weddings, Birthdays and many festive occasions. She hosted a large family potluck picnic at her's and Paul's farm until the mid 1970's. She is survived by five sons, William (Patricia) Hunter, ND; Robert (Mary) Gilbert, AZ; John (Carolyn) Hope, ND; Edward (Patricia) Maplewood, MN; Wade (Joanne) Farmington, MN; and one daughter Miriam (G. LeRoy) Staupe, Mesa AZ; twenty seven grandchildren, fifty one great grandchildren, and six great great grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Florence Wright, West Fargo, ND; and Mary Wright, Valley City, ND; and numerous nieces and nephews She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, three brothers, James, Richard and George and three sisters, Marjorie, Gladys and Ilah Belle. Visitation: Will be from 5 to 7 pm with a public prayer service at 7 pm on Friday January 23, 2009 at the Baker Funeral Home in Mayville and will resume one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral Service: 2 pm Saturday, January 24, 2009 at Perry Lutheran Church, Portland, ND. Burial: Perry Cemetery of Portland