Melba Eileen (Rickert) Conn

Melba Eileen Conn, Grams to many, 98, left this side of life surrounded by family at her home in Saratoga on Monday, June 24, 2024. Born on June 7, 1926 to Edna and Harold Rickert in Saratoga, IN, Melba lived her 98 years as a proud member of the Saratoga community. Whether she is remembered for her love of fashion at Jo’s Shop, walking miles around the track at the YMCA, her enthusiasm of driving the tractors on the farm, or her insistence on keeping her brown-colored and blond-highlighted hair, her most proud accomplishment was undoubtedly the children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren Melba raised and loved over her many beautiful years.

Melba graduated from Saratoga High School in 1944, followed by Cosmetology School in Cincinnati, OH where her legendary love of makeup and hair became rooted. For many years, Melba worked at both Jo’s Shop and Macy’s where she developed her love of not only shopping for clothes, but also returning much of her purchases. She was renowned for her love of clothes, embodied by countless trips shutting down Dillards, sneaking away from her family’s eyes in the mall, and shopping until her grandkids fell asleep on the fitting room bench.

There were not many things in which Grams was not involved. Melba was an original member of the Red Hats Society, as well as a 50 year member of the Homemakers Extension Club, 25 year member of Tri Kappa, and a lifelong member of Saratoga United Methodist Church. Additionally, Melba was a member of the Athena Club and Eastern Star, along with her many groups of girlfriends and card-playing evenings. She greeted many with a bright smile at the St. Vincent Randolph Hospital check-in desk as a volunteer, and at the Randolph County Fairgrounds in the dining hall each year during the 4-H fair, oftentimes at breakfast and lunch. 

Melba was the true definition of a woman who did it all. Whether she was driving the tractor around the county custom-baling hay with her dad, sitting in the stands for each of the kid’s events, or baking her famous cinnamon rolls which would bring upwards of $100 a pan at the church Christmas auction, there is no shortage of memories for which Grams will be remembered.

Melba was preceded in death by her parents as well as her blessed son, Jeff Conn, who we know is watching over her in Heaven. Grams is survived by her sons Phil (Ruth) Zicht and Gary (Kim) Conn, her daughters Leigh Ann (Ron) Chalfant and Judy (Randy) Maggart, grandsons Erik (Lindsay) Zicht, Aaron (Allison) Chalfant, Alex Chalfant, Daniel (Katy) Maggart, Adam (Nicole) Chalfant, Andrew (Jenna) Chalfant, and Michael Maggart, granddaughters Emily (Tim) Schaeffer, Liz (Deric) King, Ashleigh (Dustin) Lawrence, and Sydney Conn, 5 great grandsons, and 10 great granddaughters.

A service in honor of Melba’s beautiful life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 3 at Saratoga United Methodist Church. Friends and family are invited to call from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday and from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. before the service on Wednesday at the church. Burial will follow the service on Wednesday at the Saratoga Cemetery.

Walker Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.walkerswinchester.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Melba, Grams’, memory to:

Saratoga United Methodist Church

104 Main Street

Saratoga, IN 47382

Or

Randolph County 4-H Future Needs

1885 US Hwy 27

Winchester, IN 47394

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