Yerba Melni

Mrs. Yerba Melni of Santa Barbara, CA died suddenly on November 15, 2010 at her home of 45 years. She was born in Granite City, Illinois on October 30, 1928 and moved to Santa Barbara with her family in 1963.

She was the beloved wife of Arthur Melni, who passed 4 years ago, for over 50 years. Together they owned and operated Melni Bus Service. Yerba was involved in every aspect of the business from office manager to school bus driver. She drove for many local schools including Marymount, Laguna Blanca and Deveroux.

She will be remembered as a homemaker extrodinaire and a true matriarch of the family. She kept the family together through good times and hard with great food, a warm household, laughter and, most importantly, unconditional love. Yerba was an exceptionally kind and generous person. She was always the person called if there was a need and she would respond with support and understanding. She constantly thought of others over herself, especially when it came to providing for her family. Many friends and family have called over the past few days to share personal stories of her kindness and support when they needed it.

She was so loved and will be missed. She is survived by her son and his wife Mark and Mary Melni of Idaho, daughters Cheryl Melone and Gail Figueroa of Santa Barbara, 11 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. There will be a rosary on Friday, November 26, 2010 at 7:30 pm and funeral services on Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 10 am at Our Lady of Sorrows Church.

Arrangements by McDermott-Crockett Mortuary.