Monday December 28,2020
Melba was born Sept. 18, 1946, to Edgar and Eva Williams in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri. She attended St. Patrick’s Elementary School and Mercy High School in University City, and St. Louis University for her undergraduate degree. Melba obtained multiple master’s degrees while dedicating 40 years to high school education; 11 years at Mercy High School and 29 years at Bishop DuBourg High School. She was an avid traveler, reader and computer-game enthusiast. Melba is survived by her husband of 43 years, Sam; her three children, John (Deana) Latragna, Michelle Moore and Mark Latragna; grandchildren Mackenzie Fortna, Eric and Peyton Latragna, and Derrick Moore; sister Janet Green, brother Ronald Williams (Chris), and brother Jeffrey (Brenda Aryes) Williams. Melba is preceded in death by her parents, Edgar and Eva Williams; her brother, David Williams; and her brother-in-law, Terry Green.
She was a selfless leader who touched the lives of so many and gave her love and attention to those around her. She will be remembered as a wonderful wife, amazing mother, awesome grandma (ma-ma), and loving sister, sister-in-law, aunt, friend, teacher and mentor to many.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Melba’s favorite charity, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, or the American Lung Association.
Funeral from Kutis Affton Chapel 10151 Gravois Rd 63123 on Monday, January 4, 2021 at 9:15 am to St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church for 10:00 am Mass. For those individuals who wish to attend the mass virtually please do the following: Go to Facebook and request to join (or like) the St. Joan of Arc Community Page. If possible please do this the day before so the church staff can approve your request. On Monday, the church will start the video stream at 9:55 am central time. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery. Visitation Sunday 2-8 pm.
My dearest older sister. You meant so much to me all us kids growing up. What a wonderful example you set for us. You touched so many lives through your personal career making all of us so proud of you. And your beautiful family kids grandkids are such a blessing. You’ll live on in all our hearts and minds forever. Rest In Peace. Much love. Your brother Ron
My dearest older sister. You meant so much to me all us kids growing up. What a wonderful example you set for us. You touched so many lives through your personal career making all of us so proud of you. And your beautiful family kids grandkids are such a blessing. You’ll live on in all our hearts and minds forever. Rest In Peace. Much love. Your brother Ron
We express our sympathies and prayers. She was cherished at DuBourg H.S..
We express our sympathies and prayers. She was cherished at DuBourg H.S..
My heart goes out to all of Melba’s family. She was much loved and will be sorely missed. May our prayers bring you comfort and peace.
My heart goes out to all of Melba’s family. She was much loved and will be sorely missed. May our prayers bring you comfort and peace.
As infrequently as I’ve seen Melba and her family during past years, she impressed me with her dedication and love to her immediate family and many others who have known her. A teacher has a special heart, and love for others; Melba demonstrated that during her life – benefiting her family and her many students – loving them without recompense. May her eternal experiences be with and through our Savior.
As infrequently as I’ve seen Melba and her family during past years, she impressed me with her dedication and love to her immediate family and many others who have known her. A teacher has a special heart, and love for others; Melba demonstrated that during her life – benefiting her family and her many students – loving them without recompense. May her eternal experiences be with and through our Savior.
My prayers are with you at this time. Know Melba was well loved at DuBourg.
My prayers are with you at this time. Know Melba was well loved at DuBourg.
My deepest sympathy goes out to all my family here. I know it’s been years since we seen each other but I still think of you , all of you often. There isn’t anything that I can do to ease the pain, but wish I could. Love you, Melba ♡ ❤ Rest in peace.
My deepest sympathy goes out to all my family here. I know it’s been years since we seen each other but I still think of you , all of you often. There isn’t anything that I can do to ease the pain, but wish I could. Love you, Melba ♡ ❤ Rest in peace.
You were one of the kindest and most loving people I have ever known. You helped fill the void that was left when I lost my mother. I cannot adequately express how much I will miss you and I am forever grateful to have had you in my life. To the entire family, my most sincere condolences and my heart is broken for your loss.
You were one of the kindest and most loving people I have ever known. You helped fill the void that was left when I lost my mother. I cannot adequately express how much I will miss you and I am forever grateful to have had you in my life. To the entire family, my most sincere condolences and my heart is broken for your loss.
Praying for the family and all who knew and loved her.
Praying for the family and all who knew and loved her.
Years ago Sam told me that he met a nice lady named MelbaWilliams. I asked him if he obtained her phone number. I said that Melba & I belonged to the Catholic Alumni (singles club.) I looked her number up in the buzz book & passed it onto Sam.
Years ago Sam told me that he met a nice lady named MelbaWilliams. I asked him if he obtained her phone number. I said that Melba & I belonged to the Catholic Alumni (singles club.) I looked her number up in the buzz book & passed it onto Sam.
My deepest condolences. Melba was truly one of the kindest souls I have ever been able to care for. She has left a permanent mark on my heart. May she Rest In Peace.
My deepest condolences. Melba was truly one of the kindest souls I have ever been able to care for. She has left a permanent mark on my heart. May she Rest In Peace.
I remember long ago our family used to have family reunions at a low water bridge crossing in a little town called Minnith at Uncle Jimmie’s place. Melba would go out in the water with some of us so we could play in the water, while all our parents would sit snd talk. I remember spending the night at Uncle Ed and Aunt Eva’s while our Dad’s worked. It was fun at their house. Melba was the only bigger girl that ever paid attention to me. I didn’t have sisters at the time. She was fun
I remember long ago our family used to have family reunions at a low water bridge crossing in a little town called Minnith at Uncle Jimmie’s place. Melba would go out in the water with some of us so we could play in the water, while all our parents would sit snd talk. I remember spending the night at Uncle Ed and Aunt Eva’s while our Dad’s worked. It was fun at their house. Melba was the only bigger girl that ever paid attention to me. I didn’t have sisters at the time. She was fun
I’ve known Melba many years but it took no time to know she is one of the sweetest persons I’ve ever met. A wonderful daughter sister mother aunt just a beautiful person. I have been forever enriched for knowing her.
I’ve known Melba many years but it took no time to know she is one of the sweetest persons I’ve ever met. A wonderful daughter sister mother aunt just a beautiful person. I have been forever enriched for knowing her.
I was so sorry to hear about Melba’s passing. I knew her as the older of Ron’s sisters. Whenever our gang of friends were at the Williams’ house and she was there, she was always so kind to us.
Keeping her family in my thoughts and prayers.
I was so sorry to hear about Melba’s passing. I knew her as the older of Ron’s sisters. Whenever our gang of friends were at the Williams’ house and she was there, she was always so kind to us.
Keeping her family in my thoughts and prayers.
Melba was a wonderful coworker at Bishop DuBourg for many years. Almost every day as I walked past her door after school there she would be helping kids after school with their math. She was a dedicated teacher.
In later years she became a treasured friend in a “ladies who lunch group”. She always made me feel welcome and comforted. She had such a lovely family and was a great mother. I will miss her.
Katy Daily
Melba was a wonderful coworker at Bishop DuBourg for many years. Almost every day as I walked past her door after school there she would be helping kids after school with their math. She was a dedicated teacher.
In later years she became a treasured friend in a “ladies who lunch group”. She always made me feel welcome and comforted. She had such a lovely family and was a great mother. I will miss her.
Katy Daily
Melba was a dear friend and car-pool companion all the way back to Mercy HS through our DuBourg years together. She was an amazing teacher and friend. Sam, you and your family are in my prayers.
Melba was a dear friend and car-pool companion all the way back to Mercy HS through our DuBourg years together. She was an amazing teacher and friend. Sam, you and your family are in my prayers.
Mrs. Latragna was one of only two great math teachers that I had. She made geometry relatable. She was the reason math became my favorite subject to teach. My sincere condolences to her family. She made a difference in so many student’s lives at DuBourg. May she rest in peace.
Mrs. Latragna was one of only two great math teachers that I had. She made geometry relatable. She was the reason math became my favorite subject to teach. My sincere condolences to her family. She made a difference in so many student’s lives at DuBourg. May she rest in peace.
She was a great algebra teacher at dubourg Patrick ebert class of 95
She was a great algebra teacher at dubourg Patrick ebert class of 95
I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Melba, but I have had the honor of working closely with her son, Mark, for the last several years. Mark embodies so many of the traits I see shared on this page – kindness and service. Big-hearted and always willing to lend a hand to get things done. Mark has such a strong love of family, and I know that Melba’s legacy will live on through her children and grandchildren. God bless each of you as you mourn her loss.
I didn’t have the pleasure of meeting Melba, but I have had the honor of working closely with her son, Mark, for the last several years. Mark embodies so many of the traits I see shared on this page – kindness and service. Big-hearted and always willing to lend a hand to get things done. Mark has such a strong love of family, and I know that Melba’s legacy will live on through her children and grandchildren. God bless each of you as you mourn her loss.
Mark,
Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
In sympathy,
Jennifer Frawley
American Optometric Association (AOA)
Mark,
Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
In sympathy,
Jennifer Frawley
American Optometric Association (AOA)
I could not put into words how much my sister, Melba, meant to me. I could not at the time her obituary posted, say what was in my heart. It was too painful to see it written… that she was gone. My hero, my friend, my beloved sister was gone. We were so close. I won’t say goodbye… never goodbye. I love you. I miss you. Until we meet again.
I could not put into words how much my sister, Melba, meant to me. I could not at the time her obituary posted, say what was in my heart. It was too painful to see it written… that she was gone. My hero, my friend, my beloved sister was gone. We were so close. I won’t say goodbye… never goodbye. I love you. I miss you. Until we meet again.