Melva Darlene (Yoder) Garber, 90, of Albany, Oregon (formerly of Sweet Home) passed away suddenly on Thursday at Samaritan Albany General Hospital. She was surrounded by loving family members.

Melva was born in Kalona, Iowa to Joseph and Ella (Miller) Yoder.

She lived in the Kalona area until 1947 when she married Eugene Garber of Manson, Iowa. Together, they faithfully pastored congregations in Kalona and Mt. Pleasant, IA and International Falls, MN before moving to Sweet Home in 1969. They ministered to the Sweet Home Mennonite Church for twelve years before retiring. They also developed Mt. Shadows Mobile Home Park.

Melva moved to Mennonite Village in 2003 where she attended many area events and had just recently resigned from her volunteer job working in the gift shop. Her hobbies included gardening, canning, reading, music, and ministering to her friends and family.

She was a member of Sweet Home Mennonite Church.

Melva is survived by: her children, Karen (Charlie) Reed of Columbus, OH, Ken (Deb) Garber of Pomeroy, IA, Jim (Penny) Garber of Albany, OR, and Dan (Regena) Garber of Hutchinson, KS; Marlene (Duane) Sherfy of Albany, OR and Ron (Kerri) Garber of Collinsville, TX; 12 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; sisters and brothers-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; late husband, Eugene Garber; brothers, Daryl and Russell Yoder; sister, Dorothy Yoder; and daughter-in-law, Linda Garber.

Viewing will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, September 2, at Sweet Home Funeral Chapel. Graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 3, at Gilliland Cemetery. Celebration of Life will follow at 11:00 a.m., at Sweet Home Mennonite Church: 1266 44th Ave.; Sweet Home, OR.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to: Sweet Home Mennonite Church, P.O. Box 515, Sweet Home, OR 97386; Choice Books, P.O. Box 4080, Manassas, VA 20108; or Mennonite Village Foundation, 5353 Columbus St. SE, Albany, OR 97322. Condolences can be sent to: 33873 Highway 34, Albany, OR 97322.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling the arrangements.