Melbareene Stevens, 99, formerly of Assumption, Illinois died March 12, 2018 at Brookdale Senior Living in Oceanside, California.

Memorial graveside services are planned for Pleasant View Cemetery on May 25 at 2 pm in Assumption, Illinois.

She was born January 17, 1919 near Ramsey, Illinois to William "Ed" and Hazel Sauerweine Virden. Eugene Stevens and Melba were married in Terra Haute, Indiana on December 24, 1937. They were long-time members of the Assumption Christian Church. Melba lived in Assumption for 60 years and was well-known for her gardening. She lived with her daughters in California for the last few years.

She is survived by her daughters, Jessie June (Scott) Stauter of Mountain View, California, Joan Pettersen (Jeff Beland) of San Marcos, California; grandsons Mark (Valeriya) Manley of Boulder Creek, California, Brian Stauter of Livermore, California, and Kevin (Debra) Manley of Draper, Utah; great-grandsons Evan (Tess) Manley and Michael Manley; great-granddaughters Nicole (Nick) Macario and Mariya (Daniel) Fenker; and great-great-grandsons Eli Manley and Mason Macario; and great-great-granddaughter Juliet Manley.