Melba Ruth (Hoover) Fair

Melba Hoover Fair, age 90, of Grand Haven, MI (formerly, Aiken, South Carolina), passed away on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at Christian Haven Home. She was born on October 29, 1934, in Elkland, MO, to the late Hiram and Ruth (Jones) Hoover. Melba married Loren Fair in 1954, and he preceded her in death in 2013.

Melba attended elementary school in a one-room schoolhouse, taught by her father. Later, she graduated from Elkland High School in Missouri. She attended Southwest Missouri State University, where she earned a certificate as a rural schoolteacher and taught at the same one-room schoolhouse which she previously attended. Melba was a very talented seamstress who later attended Aiken Technical College for fashion merchandising.

Melba attended St. John's Methodist Church in Aiken, SC, for many years, where she was a member of the Ladies Circle Group. She was an avid golfer and long-time member of the Palmetto Golf Club in Aiken, where she also served as past president of the Ladies Palmetto Golf Club. Golf was Melba's passion, and her and Loren spent most of their free time golfing and socializing.

Melba was known for being quick-witted, competitive, and despite her small stature, she was a commanding presence.

Melba is lovingly remembered and missed by her son, Christopher (Carol) Fair of South Carolina; daughter, Sarah (David) Lutkenhoff of Grand Haven; and four loved grandchildren: Mike & Mark Fair, Emily (Michael) Nail, and John (Kimberly) Noffkenhoff; great-grandchildren: Alanah Murphy (and her son, Holden), Chase Fair, Georgia Nail, Arthur Noffkenhoff, and Chip Loren Noffkenhoff (due in August); and two brothers, George (Pat) Hoover and H. Dee (Myrene) Hoover.

She was preceded in death by her husband; a brother, James Elbert Hoover; and two sisters, Evelyn Close and Marilou Cunningham. "Loren will be waiting for Melba on the first tee." -George Hoover.

The Memorial Service for Melba will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at St. John's Methodist Church of Aiken, followed by a reception at the church.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. John's Methodist Church of Aiken.
 

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