Melva Carol Cook

Melva passed away on September 21, 2022 after dealing with several medical issues.

Melva lived her entire life in Alpaugh, CA. She attended Alpaugh Unified School from Kindergarten through High School, which she graduated from. Melva worked as nanny and domestic caretaker for Jack and Janet Mitchell until their kids were grown, then she continued to house sit for them for many years until they moved to the beach.

Melva was a member of the United Methodist Church in Alpaugh until its closure. She was also a member of the Helping Hand Club, a group of devoted women from the town and the local churches in Alpaugh that made sure that families received food and care during their times of need.

Melva will be remembered for her gentle heart and the loving care that she took in everything she did. From helping out with raising the farm animals to taking care of her parents as they aged, her beautiful handmade quilts (that many of us were proud to receive from her), her delicious Pomegranate Jelly (that everyone loves and asks for), her chocolate and peanut butter fudge (no-one seems to be able to replicate the taste and texture) and her amazing divinity (hard to make, but she always managed to get it just right), the beautifully decorated wedding, birthday and anniversary cakes she made for family and friends, and the cookies that she would bake and share with all. Her unwavering love for all her animals over the years was a testament to her loving nature. The times she shared with her nieces and nephews, swimming in the canals, cleaning the church, sleeping outside in the yard, cooking, baking and just being there for all of them will be counted among all her treasured memories.

Melva is survived by her brother Russell Cook, her nieces and nephews, Cindy (Bob) Dunham, Rodney (LoAnn) Cook, Katie Cook, Cathy Cook, Susan (Darrell) Lawler, Karen Bales, Amy Cook, Judith (Ken) Rener, Becky (Eric) Johnson, Brenda Allen, Frankie (Lisa) Allen, Nora (Bobby) Field and Nita (Fred)Lawson, her many great-nieces and great-nephews, the Mitchell children who held a special place in her heart-Kellie, Mitzi and Monty and many other family members and friends.

Melva was preceded in death by both of her parents, Melvin and Mildred, and her siblings, Ronald Cook, Laurence Cook, Lorraine Allen, and Warren Cook.

Serving as pallbearers are Seth Dunlap, Lee Mitchell, Kevin Field, Christopher Guerra, Richard Lawson, Jeffrey Mitchell, Fred Lawson, Jack Mitchell and Bobby Field.

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