Melba L.Broman Reiter, daughter of Rachel (Lindgren) and Eric Broman, was born July 19, 1923 and died in her beloved home on October 24, 2013. Melba was of Swedish pioneer stock, with grandparentscoming to Salt Lake CityfromStockholm, Sweden. In childhood, Melba lived with her parents,brotherLynn,and sisters Arlene and Joan in a bungalow onDowningtonAvenue in Salt Lake City.She loved to tell stories about her father, the first emergency medical trained policeman in the city, who would allow her to ride with him on his motorcycle as he patrolled during Days of '47 parades. Melba's motherwelcomed all to her home for family celebrations and holidays.
Melba is survived by her husband Donald S. (Tony) Reiter. Melba always laughed as she described her firstdate with Tony Reiter.Although Melbawas "grounded",her mother immediately granted permission for her togowith Tony.Her mother could see he was a "solid guy", she said. As soon as she was graduated from South High, they weremarried in the SaltLake Temple, February 12. 1942.Tony entered the service during WWII, and Melba became an airplane mechanic at Hill Air Force Base. When Tony returned home, he had a three year old son, Anthony. Subsequently, she had two more sons, Scott and Doug.
Tony and Melba were married for over seventy-oneyears. Together,they created a home that exuded old world charm…leaded glass windows, stenciled walls, lace curtains,bird houses. Christmas was magicalwith family,girlfriends, boyfriends, and children. The house was decorated to the hilt, gifts piled high, and wonderful aromasemanatedfrom the kitchen. Guests were amazedto be showered with gifts. She planned for Christmas all year long.
Melba was always a very hard worker. As a teenager, she ushered at the Center Theater. She later worked at Salt Lake Poultry, and Christensen Diamond. She joined Intermountain Farmers Association and was indispensable to the purchasing department for over forty years. She finally decided it was time to retire and enjoy her many hobbies at the age of eighty.
Shecrisscrossedthe country with her decorative painting friends to attend workshops, conventions, and retreats. The friendships she made in the Painting Guild lasted a lifetime and were precious to her.
If ever the death of a ninety year old comes as a surprise, Melba's death did. The night before she passed away, she was still making Christmas plans. She continued to be engaged and curious to the end of her life. She and her eight year old great granddaughter could often be found giggling, planning, and telling secrets.
To say herdearhusband, Tony will miss her is an understatement. They were completely devoted to each other.
She issurvived byher brother Dr. L. Lynn Broman (Lori) andher sister Joan B.RiddMoore, and three sons; Anthony Reiter (Virginia Byrd), Scott Reiter (Tonya), and Doug Reiter. Her grandchildrenare Christian Reiter (Kim), Kirsten Heaton (Brian Cook), Peter Reiter, and Tess Reiter. Her great grandchildren are Max Reiter, Sean Reiter, Zachary Reiter, and Ruby Cook.
The family wishes to thank the Millcreek Home Health and Hospice staff who provided the carethatenabledMelba to stay in her home as was her heartfelt wish.
A memorial service will be held, Tuesday, October 29, 2013 at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, Salt Lake City at 2:00 PM. Friends and family are invited to visit one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Gardens.
