Melba Lois Griebie

Obituary

Melba Lois Griebie was born on September 23, 1917, in Brownton, Minnesota. She was the daughter of George and Josephine (Martin) Urbach. Melba grew up in Brownton, and was confirmed in her faith as a youth in 1930, at the Methodist Church in Brownton. She received her education in Brownton, and was a graduate of the Brownton High School Class of 1936. Melba furthered her education at the MacPhail Center for Music in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

On March 27, 1943, Melba was united in marriage to Grant Leonard Griebie in Minneapolis. This marriage was blessed with three children, Susan, Rebecca and Matthew. Melba and Grant resided in Brownton and Chicago, Illinois. They later moved to Hutchinson in 1966. Melba and Grant shared 58 years of marriage until Grant passed away on July 6, 2001.

Melba was a loving wife, mother and homemaker. She was a member of the New Journey United Church of Christ in Hutchinson. Prior to this she was a member of the Congregational Church in Brownton, where she taught Sunday school, later served as a Sunday School Superintendent. Melba was involved with the AFS (American Field Service) Foreign Exchange Student Programs.

Melba enjoyed oil painting, ceramics, cooking and reading. She especially enjoyed reading the daily newspaper and she never missed watching her favorite baseball team the Minnesota Twins. Melba had a love for music; she played piano, organ and sang many solos. She cherished spending time with her family, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends.

When Melba needed assistance with her daily care she became a resident of Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson, Minnesota, on July 6, 2009. She passed away there on Tuesday, March 8, 2016, at the age of 98 years.

Blessed be her memory.

Melba is survived by her:
Children, Susan Smith and her husband, Cliff of Apple Valley, MN,
Rebecca Nelson and her husband, Michel of Carroll, IA,
Dr. Matthew Griebie and his wife, Dr. Jeannie of Minnetonka, MN;
Grandchildren, Elizabeth (Smith) Lemer and her husband Troy, Tina (Smith) Engstrom and her husband, Tom, Jennifer Nelson, Anika Nelson, Nick Griebie, Annie Griebie;
6 Great Grandchildren, Noah and Henry Lemer, David, Joshua, Emily and Alaina Engstrom;
Many Nieces and Nephews, other relatives and friends.

Melba is preceded in death by her Parents, George and Josephine Urbach; Husband, Dr. Grant L. Griebie; and all Brothers-In-Law and Sisters-In-Law.