Grace M. "Gracie" Melvin

Grace M. “Gracie” Melvin
91, of Camby, passed away on January 29, 2021 at St Francis Hospital in Indianapolis. Grace was born on January 25, 1930 in Indianapolis, IN to the late Charles G. and Nettie (Bolton) Payk.

Grace was a proud graduate of Decatur Central High School, where she was the first female to play on the boy’s baseball team and played trumpet in the band. She met Leonard William “Tugboat” Melvin when she was working as a waitress at a local restaurant/dance hall. They dated for about a year and were married in 1951 at Fairfield Friends Church, Camby, Indiana. On March 17, 2001 their children honored them with a surprise 50th Anniversary Dinner Party.

Grace worked as a clerk for the U.S. Postal Service in Camby for many years before retiring. She was a member of the Friendswood Baptist Church. She enjoyed spending time with her family in the outdoors gardening, square dancing, playing the harmonica and fishing. She loved the white sand beaches, especially Blue Mountain Beach in Florida, where the family vacationed and went deep sea fishing on many occasions. She also valued her friendships she made in school and stayed in touch with classmates by attending all of her class reunions.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband Leonard William “Tugboat” Melvin; son James David Melvin; brothers and sisters, Eva, Mary, Bolton, Edward, Monnie and William.

Survivors include her children L. Daniel “Danny” Melvin of Camby, Teresa Sue Gribble and Gary of Seattle, Rebecca Case of Mooresville, and Ben Melvin of Camby; a sister Lucille Cox; 10 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

Family and Friends will gather to Celebrate the Life of Grace Melvin on Friday, Feb. 5th from 4-8pm at Carlisle Branson Funeral Service and Crematory, Mooresville. Services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 6th at 10am in the funeral home. All guests attending visitation and/or services will be required to wear a mask at all times in an effort to promote a safe environment. You are also invited to watch the services via live stream on the Carlisle Branson Facebook page.

Please visit www.CarlisleBranson.com to share a favorite memory or to sign the online guest registry.