Melva Nadine Lewellen

Melva (Dine) Lewellen, age 93, Shelbyville, Missouri, passed away April 9, 2020, at Salt River Community Care in Shelbina, Missouri, after a brief battle with leukemia.
Melva was born on February, 17, 1927, the daughter of Calvert and Amy Wagner Head. She graduated from Monroe City High School in 1945. Melva was united in marriage to Norris Lewellen on February 17, 1946, in Monroe City, Missouri. He preceded her in death on February 5, 1992.
She is survived by her two daughters, Verna Jackson (John), Shelbyville and Karen Guildoo (Denis), Salem, AR; five grandchildren, Kerri Greenwell (Todd), Shelbina; Melissa Shively (Scot), Shelbyville; Holly Copenhaver (Danny), Shelbyville; Seth Jackson (Maggie), Shelbyville; and Crystal Guildoo, St. Louis; eleven great grandchildren, Elijah and Noah Greenwell; Kevin, Hannah, Adam, and Meg Shively; Sadie and Toby Copenhaver; Jonah and Josie Jackson and Audrie Fletcher. She is also survived by several nieces including Sandra Rohrer (Fred), Troy, KS; Amy Haden, Hannibal; Mary McCoy (Dennis), Shelbyville, and Tammy Thornberry (Mike), Troy, KS.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her sister and brother-in-law, Arlene and Harlie Ragar, and three nephews: Randy Ragar, Mike Fisher, and Brian Haden.
Melva was a born again Christian and a Southern Baptist. She was a homemaker and also an Avon representative for many years. Melva enjoyed gardening, mowing, checking on her cattle, and spending time with family, especially her grandkids and great grandchildren. Her hot rolls, cinnamon rolls, and molasses cookies were a few of her grandchildren’s favorites.
She was buried next to her husband at Mt. Zion Cemetery. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, graveside services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Salt River Community Care or Neighbors Helping Neighbors.