Melba Dodge Lindley, born May 30, 1924, passed away Monday, April 20 from causes incident to age. She was 90 years old. She was a widow for 17 years, having lost her husband, Thomas Lee Lindley, in an automobile accident Oct 14, 1997. She was preceded in death by her parents Edward Chester and Maude Woods Dodge, her brothers Carl, Newell and Marlo, and by her sisters, Grace and La Vina.
As a young woman she was known as a singer and piano player. In her youth she was a look-a-like for Deanna Durbin, one of the well known stars of the day. She even received offers for Hollywood contracts. She was interviewed by local newspapers and radio stations. She graduated from South High School in 1942.
She married Thomas Lee Lindley, her childhood sweetheart, on August 10, 1942 in the Salt Lake Temple. They were soon separated by World War II, during which they exchanged passionate letters between Salt Lake City and New Guinea. Using her wages working for the IRS and his pay from the military, they built one of the first houses in the East Millcreek area in 1946, and lived there together until his death in 1997.
Known as Nana to her grandchildren, she was an active and vital woman. During the long season of her life she enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, skiing, water skiing and golf. She loved to entertain in her home, especially for her family ‚ and she was a marvelous cook. She took meticulous care of her own aging mother until she passed away at the age of 94.
Her greatest love was her piano ‚ and she passed it on to many. She taught hundreds of people, young and old, including her son and some of her grandchildren. She played in several bands, and was known throughout the state over the course of many years. She was a sought after piano player, performing at nightclubs and hotels in Salt Lake City. She also sold real estate, working for Creative and MC Realty and laboring tirelessly for her clients.
She fought a hard and valiant battle against memory loss. Although in recent years she was unable to walk or speak intelligibly, her iron will was strong and unconquerable to the end.
The family would like to thank the staff at Crosslands Nursing home, especially Olga, Steve and Geannie for their respectful and compassionate care.
She is survived by her children Scott (Valerie) Lindley and Rhonda (Steve) Pendleton, and her grandchildren Megan (Landon) Blatter, Heather (Kevin) Prowell, Michael (Bethany) Lindley, Brian (Cherame) Lindley, Matthew (Vanessa) Pendleton, Jeremy (Chirin) Pendleton, Joshua (Chantel) Pendleton and David Pendleton and by 21 great grandchildren.
A brief funeral service will be held Saturday, April 25, 2015 at 11 AM at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd., (10600S.), Sandy. Friends may call at 10 AM.
