Born Birmingham Alabama April 12th 1940 to Ruth and Robert Hodges
Graduated high school and went on to enlist in the United States Marine corps
While in the Marines she met Fredrick Schuster a fellow Marine, they married and Melba left the Marines Fred and Melba had two children Sean M Schuster and Carla M Schuster. Melba has 5 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren
While Stationed in Bakersfield California Melba earned a degree in nursing
By 1977 the family settled in Poway California when Melba resided until her passing
Melba worked many careers through her life to include civil service for the department of defense at Miramar naval air station, the San Diego Padres, and the Del Mar racetrack and fairgrounds.
Melba was preceded in death by her 2 brothers, 2 sisters, and her boyfriend of 20+ years Joseph Mitchell.
Melba was a social butterfly and traveler extraordinaire always going or coming from somewhere and planning her next trip.
Services will be held in San Diego on July 3rd 2017 12:30 pm at Miramar National Cemetery
Services will be held in Alabama on July 15th 2017 11am at 1st Baptist church Cahaba heights