Melba Dutson Bennett Hoopes, age 88, passed away May 10, 2014 at her home in Hurricane, Utah. She was born October 1, 1925 to Emery Cowley and Lemira Roper Dutson in Oak City. She married Max Miles Bennett of Meadow, Utah on April 5, 1946 in Oak City. Their marriage was solemnized in the Manti LDS Temple on October 25, 1950. Max passed away November 8, 1998 in Inglewood, California. In 2001, Melba married Melvin Riley Hoopes. They moved to Hurricane. He passed away August 17, 2012.
She received her education in the Oak City Elementary School and Delta Jr. and High School. After graduation, she went to work at the Navy Base in Clearfield, Utah. Later she attended BYU in Provo. She met Max at a Stock Show in Delta, and they immediately were attracted to one another. He lovingly gave her the name “Rusty”. Max was drafted into the Army for 4 years. Upon his return the were married.
They moved to Inglewood, California where they owned and operated a Custom Drapery and Dry Cleaning business for 43 years. She was a hard worker and worked side by side with Max as a professional tailor. She loved quilting, sewing of any kind, her church callings, serving others and especially being with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She looked forward to coming back to Utah whenever possible.
Melba was an active member of the LDS Church, holding many positions. She was known for her patience and kindness towards others. She will be greatly missed in this life by all.
Melba is survived by her daughter: Sheri (Helmut) Werlich, Hurricane, UT; son: Eddy L. Bennett, Hawthorne, CA; daughter: Lorie (Marvin) Pole, Torrance, CA; grandchildren: Brent (Megan) Werlich, Ryan (Robin) Werlich, Candice, Trevor (Lisa) Pole; 7 great-grandchildren; brothers: Calvin -deceased- (Vernell) Dutson, Oak City; Howard (Afton) Dutson, Oak City; Roland -deceased- (Roberta) Dutson, Delta; Wesley (Sharon) Dutson, West Jordan; sister: Rachel (John) Wright, Oak City; many loving nieces and nephews.
Our family gives a special thanks to Alpha Hospice Care of St. George for the special kindness provided by the nurses and aides.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, May 16, at 11:00 AM, at the Oak City LDS Chapel. A viewing will be held Friday, 9:00-10:40 AM, prior to services. Burial will be in the Oak City Cemetery.