Melva Noreen Smith Yets Wilham, 89, passed away peacefully in Normal, IL on Sunday, January 26, 2025, with her loving devoted daughter by her side. 

Melva, the eldest daughter of G.E. Ernest and Edna Shaw Smith was born in rural DeWitt County on May 7,1935. She graduated, Moore Township High School, Farmer City, IL in 1953.

Upon graduating, she was employed at U of I, Urbana, IAA-FS Services, Bloomington, IL, then retired from Banner Hospital, Phoenix, AZ. After 40 years of residing in AZ, Melva then returned to IL in 2016 to live with her daughter, Linda.

Melva loved life and received many awards for her bowling, ceramics and ballroom dancing, graduating from Arthur Murray Dance Studio. She drew and painted beautiful oil paintings, bowled a 300 game and made a music CD. Her love for singing led her to sing karaoke until 86.

Melva is survived by her daughter Linda Yets Singley, Bloomington, sons Byron Wilham, AZ, Jeffrey and Troy Wilham, both NV. Grandchildren Brad, TX, Jason and Chase Wilham, AZ, Jacob Wilham, IL. Great-grandchildren Addison Wilham, TX and Jadon Wilham, AZ. Sisters, Mary Jean Reynolds and Irene Burnett, both of Farmer City, IL.

She was preceded in death by her parents Ernest and Edna Smith, her elder brother Lyle Smith, son Byron, husbands Charles Yets and Merle Wilham, brothers-in-law Jim Borton, Jim Reynolds and Vance Burnett, niece Tina Borton Beck and nephews Kirk Borton and Jeremy Reynolds.

Melva donated her body to medical research. A private memorial service will be held at McCord Cemetery, Fullerton, Farmer City, IL at a later date.