Melba was born on January 14, 1938 the daughter of Clinton Joseph Willoughby and Gertrude Stegall Willoughby in Strong, Arkansas. Melba retired from Country Pride were she was a switchboard operator. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Hot Springs.
Melba was preceded in death by her parents; husband J. L. “Buddy” Templeton; a brother Doyne Willoughby; and a sister Virginia Scoggins.
Survivors are sons Randy Templeton (Vicki) and Mike Templeton (Dana); grandchildren Michael Templeton, Joey Templeton (Jill), Ashley Nash (Matthew) and Angela Sawyer (Jeffery); 10 great grandchildren; 1 great great granddaughter; sister-in-law, Juanita Cloud; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 5 pm to 7 pm at Young's Funeral Directors. Graveside services will be Friday, January 27, 2023 at 11 am at Philadelphia Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Jonathan Kelley officiating.
Memorials may be made to Open Hearts Ministry, 608 Carol Ave., El Dorado, AR 71730.
Condolences for the Templeton family may be shared at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.