Melba Simpson-Sprinkle passed peacefully at home on Thursday, July 31, 2025. She was 89 years old. She is preceded in death by her husbands, John R. Simpson and Doug F. Sprinkle and brothers, Jack Barr and Jerald Barr.

Melba was born on January 18, 1936 in Okemah, Oklahoma. In 1968, she and husband Jay, welcomed their fourth child and made Selma, California their permanent home. Over the years, Melba joined PTA's, Band Boosters, committees at the First Methodist Church, the Selma YMCA (with the entire family), spending much time at Sequoia Lake, numerous fundraisers, sporting events and many other clubs and activities. There was never a dull moment in her home, which Melba filled with love and laughter!

In 1975, Melba opened Shadow Box Boutique, a gift shop featuring unique and hand-crafted items from local artists. Some years later, Melba partnered with her daughter to establish Something by Fanfare, Home Accents & Décor. Both shops were located in Selma.

Following the death of her husband, Jay in 1980, Melba met and married Doug in 1987. Together, they enjoyed their family, including grandchildren who loved them as Gram & Papa D. There were many years of continuance in the YMCA, dancing, traveling, sight-seeing, and simply enjoying life.

In 2004, Doug unexpectedly died of a stroke. Eleven years later, Melba was diagnosed with a form of Palsy, which slowly robbed her body of the ability to function. At the time of her passing, although no longer able to speak, her mind and memory were sharp and she was still able to smile.

Melba was very creative and enjoyed crafting items by hand. She greatly enjoyed knitting, crocheting and cooking. Some of her family's favorite signature food items included Lemon Chiffon Pie, Crème of Mushroom Pork Chops and "Mama Fried Chicken." Melba loved to sew, spend time with, and help, others - and she sang all the time, teaching her children the songs from her own childhood. She was kind, caring, skilled, funny, determined, charming, feisty when she needed to be - and she gave a "mean" haircut! She was deep-seated in her faith in our Lord and loved her family [beyond measure].

All who knew her, loved her.

Life with Melba was a joy, a privilege and a blessing! She is already dearly missed by so many!

Melba is survived by her two daughters, Renée (Tim) Nuanes of Kingsburg and Rhonda Simpson (Randy) Stoehr of Fresno; two sons, Randy "Jim" (Barbara) Simpson of Clovis and Reed Simpson of Kingsburg; grandchildren Jaime (Patty) Simpson, Jeffrey (Rachel) Simpson, Kacie (Nick) Ferriera and Jason (Jessica) Simpson, Heather (Craig) Jorgensen, Erie Nuanes, Kristen Simpson, Johnathan Simpson and Brittney Simpson, great-grandchildren Tula Simpson, James Simpson, Wesley Simpson, Rainey Simpson, Ryker Ferriera, Aaron Ferriera, Royce Jorgensen, Caleb Jorgensen and Jay Simpson.

A Tribute in Remembrance, celebrating the life of Melba Simpson-Sprinkle, is scheduled for Saturday, September 6, 2025 at 11:00am at the Fowler Presbyterian Church, located at 408 E. Merced Street, Fowler, California.

Please join us in celebrating Melba's journey, and feel free to wear her favorite color, purple.

Remembrances may be sent to YMCA Camp Sequoia Lake at 49716 Hwy 180, Miramonte, CA 93621,  (559) 624-1110 https://ymcacampsequoialake.org/donations

Please ask that acknowledgements be sent to:

Renée Nuanes, 2080 Stroud Avenue, Kingsburg, CA 93631