Melba G. Rowland, 85, of Winnie, died Tuesday, June 7, 2016, at The Arboretum of Winnie. She was born August 16. 1930, in Winnie, to Bertha Graham Rowland and Asa Guy Rowland, Sr.

As a young lady, Melba represented the town of Winnie, as a duchess in the Neches River Festival.

She was also on the Lady Bucs basketball team that won State Championship in 1947-1948.

Melba never forgot her Alma Mater, being an East Chambers Buccaneer fan for life. She volunteered at the school as a mentor and never missed a Buccaneer sporting event. Because of her love and dedication, she was awarded Buc Backer of the year. Melba was a role model and mentor to so many of the youth of Winnie. She taught Sunday school in a way that made the scriptures and Jesus come alive. 

She was retired from the U.S. Postal Service, having worked many years as a postal clerk for the Winnie location. After retirement, she traveled extensively with two of her sisters. She loved traveling and also going to follow the Bluebonnet Trail in the springtime. Melba never had children, but she claimed her niece and five nephews as her children and loved playing with all the grandnieces and grandnephews.

Melba will be remembered as a well-dressed lady with proper manners, her giving ways and most importantly for her love of her family and God. Not to forget her love of the Dallas Cowboys- never missing a game and making sure everyone knew the time and dates they played.

Survivors include niece, Gwen Simon and her husband, Edmond of Beaumont;  nephews, Tommy Frugia and his wife, Theresa, of Winnie; Rodger Frugia, of Winnie; Guy Frugia, and his wife, Marie, of Carlton, Oregon; Guy Rowland and his wife, Mickey, of Round Rock; and Dicky Frugia and his wife, Ann, of Winnie; a host of other nieces; nephews; great-nieces, great-nephews; and friends and extended church family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters and two brothers. She is now home with them and safe in the arms of Jesus.

A gathering of Ms. Rowland’s family and friends will begin at 9:00 a.m., with her funeral service to follow at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, June 11, 2016, at First United Methodist Church of Winnie-Stowell, 1708 State Highway 124, Winnie. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, Winnie.