Melba McCoy

Melba McCoy, age 85 of Belle Fourche, died Tuesday, July 31^st, 2018 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held 2 pm Monday, August 6, 2018 at St. Paul Catholic Church in Belle Fourche.  Visitation will be held 5 to 7pm Sunday at Leverington Funeral Home of the Northern Hills in Belle Fourche.  Interment will take place in Pine Slope Cemetery.

Melba L. Richardson was born September 16, 1932 in Farview, Oklahoma.  She was the daughter of Ben and Gladys (McCantney) Richardson.  Melba was one of 9 children in her family.  At the age of 6, Melba moved with her family to Kansas.  They also moved to Wyoming where her father worked in a sawmill for several years.  Later the family moved back to Kansas where Melba finished up her schooling.  She graduated from the Oberlin High School in 1952.

Melba worked as a waitress in Oberlin Kansas until her marriage.  On January 28, 1953 she was united in marriage to Thomas J. McCoy in Oberlin.  To this marriage, five sons were born: Steven, Jim, Neal, David, and Tom Jr.  In 1955, Tom and Melba moved to Ziona South Dakota where they ranched and raised their family.  During these years Melba worked hard as a young mother of five.  She was devoted to her family and was a great cook.  In 1966, Tom and Melba purchased a small place east of Belle Fourche and they have lived there ever since.

Melba was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.  She will be remembered for her hard work and the care she provided to her family.  She will be greatly missed.

Melba is survived by her sons, Jim (Fran) of Belle Fourche, Neal (Kristi) of Belle Fourche, Dave of Maple Valley WA, Tom Jr. of Belle Fourche; 12 grandchildren: Wyatt, Katie, Bailey, John, DezerRey, Colt, Sean, Jacob, Stevie, Trent, Jenna, Lyman,; 9 great grandchildren: Thomas, Fiona, Laynee, Kaleah, Troy, Justis, Hunter, Eliora, and due this month, Piper; sisters, Darlene Yarbrough  and Delores Sweeny; brothers, Harold Richardson, Larry Richardson, and Donald Richardson; also her special caregiver, Janel McCoy.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Tom; son, Steve; and 2 brothers, Dean, Dale, and Delmer Richardson.

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