Melba W. Elliott

Melba Ward Elliott of Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully in her sleep on April 12, 2022. She was born in Elgin, Texas on January 18, 1925, the daughter of Marina and Eugene Ward. She was proceeded in death by her sister, Lilian Conner, and her brother Bill Ward. She was a graduate of Elgin High School and graduated from business school in Austin.

She met Hiram Dudley Elliott of Austin, a veteran Army Lieutenant, after World War II at the U.S. Post Office where she started working as a secretary during the War. After a brief courtship, they married in 1947 and their marriage lasted for 60 years before his passing in 2007. She was so proud of her three children, Jan who graduated from UT with undergraduate and master’s degrees in education and was an elementary school teacher in San Antonio; Bob who became a PGA Golf Professional and Head Pro at Northwood Club in Dallas; and Joni who was employed with the State of Texas Austin in the regulatory health field as an Enforcement Specialist.

Melba was a charter member of Austin Baptist Church attending weekly services and was active with her Lamplighter’s Sunday School Class. Her husband Hiram introduced her to the game of golf which she loved becoming an active member of the Ladies Golf Association at Great Hills Country Club. She and Hiram were also members of the Austin Country Club for many years. She made a habit of never missing a tee time.

Melba loved to cook and her southern dishes and numerous sweets were enjoyed by all. You might often find her in her garden lovingly tending to her potted plants and flowers. She made many friends over-the-years and was always present at her weekly ladies’ bridge game. She was also a dedicated volunteer at Seton Medical Center Main serving at the front desk for 25 years.

Melba said her most cherished roles were that of a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She is survived by daughter Jan Filtsch and husband Steve of San Antonio, son Bob and wife Betty of Dallas, and daughter Joni Elliott of Austin; grandchildren Gregg Filtsch and wife Annie of San Antonio, Chris Elliott and wife Leslie of Dallas, and Walter Matthys and wife Suzanne of Austin, and Julie Filtsch of San Antonio; and great-grandchildren Bayliss and Trey Filtsch of San Antonio, and Kennedy (KJ) and Mackenzie Matthys of Austin.

Graveside services are open to all and scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery, 2800 Hancock Drive, Austin TX 78731. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made in her name to Austin Baptist Church and/or the Salvation Army.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com for the Elliott family.