Melba Joan Howard

Melba Joan (Kreger) Howard, life-long resident of Haskell, passed away at Haskell Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, September 22, 2015, at the age of 84. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, September 24, 2015 at the First Baptist Church in Haskell, Texas with Dr. Troy Culpepper officiating. Burial will take place immediately following the service at Willow Cemetery under the direction of Smith Family Funeral Homes. Visitation is planned for Wednesday, September 23, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m., at the Funeral Home located at 304 N 2nd, Haskell, Texas.

Melba was born August 5, 1931, in Knox City, Texas to Jesse Huel Kreger and Susie Pear (Marion) Kreger. Melba married Bobby Howard, Sr. on January 7, 1951, in Haskell County, Texas. She loved to cook and was great at it. Her specialty was chicken fried steak. She was a member and officer of many organizations, and mainly loved chasing after her grandchildren.

She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Haskell.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Jess Huel Kreger and Susie Pear (Marion) Kreger; husband, Bobby Howard, Sr.; son-in-law, Lawrence New; and brother-in-law, Daniel Hill.

Melba is survived by her son, Bobby Howard, Jr., and wife Kim of Haskell, Texas; daughter, Ginger New of Amarillo, Texas; three grandchildren, Mindy Howard of Temple, Texas, Rusty Howard of Seagraves, Texas, and Kourtney Howard of Haskell, Texas; sister, Jessie Pearl Hill of Haskell, Texas; brother, Glen Ray Kreger and wife Frances of Willcox, Arizona; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Memorials can be given to the charity of your choice.

Online condolences can be shared with Melba's family at www.smithfamilyfh.com.