Charles “Bud” Chauncy Melby, 76, a lifelong farmer and rancher, died of cancer in his Kremlin home surrounded by his family on Aug. 28.
His funeral service is 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2008, at First Lutheran Church in Havre. Burial services will follow at Highland Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Bear Paw Hospice c/o NMH, P. O. Box 1231, Havre, MT 59501; The Hi-Line Sletten Cancer Center c/o NMHCF, P. O. Box 1231, Havre, MT 59501; The Sletten Cancer Institute c/o Benefis Healthcare Foundation, P. O. Box 7008, Great Falls, MT 59406; or to a memorial of one’s choice. Services and arrangements have been entrusted to Holland & Bonine Funeral Home. Bud was born Feb. 11, 1932, to John and Beulah (Cooper) Melby. He grew up in Kremlin with his eight siblings. He graduated in 1949 from Kremlin High, where he was a star for a strong basketball team. Bud was a self-made farmer. Son of a salesman, he rented land and found cheap, used equipment to start his career soon after high school. By the mid-1950s, he was also raising cattle. He continued to farm with his sons up until the last days of his life. In 1953, he married Marlene Jolly, the love of his life. They had five children together and enjoyed nearly 55 years of marriage. Bud was known for his gentle spirit, quick smile and eternal optimism. His silent demeanor made people respect him. He was an active member of the Kremlin Lutheran Church, often serving on its council. He was also a little league coach, school board trustee and board member of the Kremlin Farmers Union. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Raymond Melby and Arlan Melby; a sister, Lois Knutson; and a grandson, Josh Rambo. He is survived by his wife, Marlene Melby; in-laws, Art and Vera Berg of Kremlin; two daughters, Anita (Randy) Solberg of Box Elder and Charlene Melby of Billings; three sons, Rick (Lynn) Melby, Denny (Paula) Melby and Justin (Britton) Melby, all of Kremlin; three sisters, Mildred Wilson of Havre, Frances Halter of Auburn, Wash., and Retha Ernst of Lewistown; two brothers, Marvin (Rosie) Melby and Dave (Betty) Melby, both of Havre; six grandchildren, Amie (Scott) Thompson, Tiffany and Ashley Melby, and Richie, Branden and Skyler Melby; and three great-grandchildren, Lizzie and Hallie Thompson and Dylon Melby.
