YOUNGSTOWN - Melva Minnie, 91, of the city's west side, passed away peacefully Wednesday afternoon, April 10, 2019, at Maplecrest Nursing Home in Struthers after a long and fulfilling life.

Melva was born June 1, 1927, in Pittsburgh, Pa., and was a daughter of the late William J. and Margaret M. Hermann Reber. She came to Youngstown as a young girl in 1933 with her family, was a graduate of St. Brendan Parish Elementary School, and was a graduate of Chaney High School.

Melva was a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother who dedicated her life to raising and caring for her family. She was a member of St. Brendan Church in Youngstown, where she served as parish secretary for more than 30 years. Mrs. Minnie was a member of the church's Altar & Rosary Society and of the Mothers' Guild, where she was past president. Melva was also a very active volunteer with the popular fish frys at the church, and she volunteered at  the parish bingo games and festivals.

Melva was an avid bowler at West Side Lanes, and served as league secretary in many leagues.

She leaves her husband of 71 years, James Minnie, whom she married Oct. 25, 1947; two sons, J. Michael Minnie of Boardman and Gary S. Minnie of Youngstown; a sister, Eileen (Ray) Shively of Austintown; six grandchildren, Tracy (Chris) Sheperd, Jessica Rodriguez, Gary S, Minnie Jr., Christopher (Kirsten) Minnie, Scott (Julie) Minnie, and Trisha (Rob) Vukovich; eight great-grandchildren, Christina, Thomas, Dylan, Andrew, Alivia, Mia, Alexis, and Lauren; and her caregiver, Mirtia Rodriguez.

A daughter-in-law, Patricia Minnie, is deceased.

Family and friends may call from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, April 14, at Kinnick Funeral Home, 477 N. Meridian Road, Youngstown.

Funeral services will begin on Monday, April 15, at 9:15 a.m. at the funeral home, and will continue at 10 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at St. Brendan Church, 2800 Oakwood Ave. Youngstown.

Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Youngstown.

Melva's family thanks the staff of Maplecrest Nursing Home for the kindness shown and care given to Mrs. Minnie and her family during her stay.