Melba Elaine (MacBeth) Bartlett, 83, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2022 at Meadowlark Estates in Lawrence, Kansas. She was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 9, 1939. She married Thomas Bartlett on October 16, 1957; Tom preceded her in death in 2015. Survived by daughter, Denise (Jeff) Cyzman, loving partner, Gary Forister, and son-in-law, Gary (Susan) Granke. Three daughters preceded her in death, Pam Granke, and Mary and Elaine Bartlett. Loving grandmother to Jeff (Michelle) Granke, Scott (Crystal) Granke, Courtney Cyzman, and Ryan (Carly) Cyzman. Great-grandmother to Emma and Cody Granke, Thomas Manly, and Jack Cyzman. Cherished aunt to many nieces and nephews, and grand-nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her grandson, Aaron Granke, parents, Melvin and Billie (Schniers) MacBeth and two sisters and brothers-in-law, Patricia (Chuck) Smallwood and Joanne (Jim) Mitchell.
Melba worked as a paraprofessional at Southfield Public Schools, where she also served as a union president. She enjoyed cooking for families and friends, and was known for her Christmas fruitcake and decorated birthday cakes. Equally enjoyable to her was going out to eat. She and Tom loved to travel throughout the United States and on cruises. Melba was deeply spiritual with ties to the Catholic and Presbyterian faiths, and she enjoyed singing in the church choir.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Michigan this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan.
