Melba Cook Maas

Melba Cook Maas, age 86 of Roberts, passed away Friday, February 10, 2012 surrounded by her family, in Roberts, under the care of Shilo Cooley -Thurston , her granddaughter. Melba was born September 4, 1925, in Coltman, Idaho, a daughter of James Edward Cook and Christine Magdalena Buckmiller Cook. She was raised and attended school in Coltman, Midway, and graduated from Roberts High School. She continued her education at Ricks College and graduated as the salutatorian of her class. She continued from Ricks College to Idaho State University Pocatello where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. Melba taught school for the Jefferson School District 251, teaching kindergarten, second, third and fourth grades. Melba married Oscar Monroe Maas on February 7, 1949, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. He preceded her in death. Melba was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved teaching music to the primary children. Melba enjoyed sewing, art, music, fishing, going on walks in the early morning hours, her grandchildren, loved playing card games, dancing the jitterbug and oil painting, which she painted one for every grandchild, and writing, stating “In the mornings when I go for my walk, I see the beautiful sunrise, hear the birds singing, the owl hooting, the geese honking, and I think – Would I ever find a place with more peace and contentment than I have right here? Here, where I can wake up to the beautiful sights and sounds of the morning and thank my Heavenly Father for another special day.” Melba is survived by her daughters, Toni (Steve) Watson of Rigby, Tamera (Dave) Taylor of Pleasant Grove, Utah, Marlene (Steve) St. Clair of Layton, Utah, sons, Tom (Jodee) Maas of Salmon, Thayne (Karen) Maas of Neenah, Wisconsin, Tim (Pat) Maas, of St. George, Utah, Trent (Lynne) Maas of California, John Layne Maas of Phoenix, Arizona, sister Reva (Bill) White of Caldwell, 44 grandchildren, 52 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Melba was preceded in death by her parents, husband Oscar, sisters, Agnes, Edna, Vendetta, Verla, Lila, Leora, and Theola, brothers, Carl, Cleo and Vergil. Funeral services will be held on February 15, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. at the Roberts 2nd Ward with Bishop Tim Allen officiating. The family will visit with friends prior to the service from 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. at the church. Burial will be in the Market Lake Cemetery in Roberts under the direction of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.eckersellfuneralhome.com.