Sue F. Melson

RUPERT – Sue "Suzi" Frances Melson (Taylor), 83 of Rupert went to join her husband, Bud, in heaven, April 21, 2020.

Sue was born September 9, 1936, in Lampe, Missouri, and was the third child of Henry and Martha (DeArmond) Taylor. Sue spent her childhood in Lampe and attended Blue Eye High School where she took typing, business, and short-hand courses before graduating in 1954. After graduation, Sue moved to Kansas City and worked as a secretary for Butler Manufacturing.

Sue met her husband, Arthur "Bud" Melson, through her older sister, Faye, as Bud was Faye's brother-in-law. The two married December 24, 1960, and Sue became a mother to Bud's son Robert "Bob." They made their home on a ranch near Hope, New Mexico, and together had two children: Sandi Jeanne, in 1961; and Samuel Ray, in 1966. They moved to Idaho in 1966, and Sue has resided at their small acreage north of Rupert, near Acequia, since 1973.

Upon moving to the Rupert area Sue worked as a secretary for the Rupert United Methodist Church and later took a position at Project Mutual Telephone Company where she remained until she retired in 1996.

Sue loved springtime! She loved to get out in her garden with her flowers and hang her many bird feeders. She took great pride in tending all of her flower beds, even her rock garden that was filled with treasures she picked up on her travels. Many a family member or friend was graciously taught about the flowers and were often sent home with starts of their own. From Hen and Chicks, to daisies; Lily of the Valley, to her precious 'Mom's Old Rose' that was gently and carefully brought to Idaho by her grandmother DeArmond – Sue made sure one would leave with something to brighten their garden and the knowledge to care for it.

Sue was also an avid bird watcher and loved to sit in the yard and watch all of them. She had a special fondness for hummingbirds and loved to watch them from the kitchen sink or on the deck as they enjoyed her honeysuckle. In addition to gardening, she spent countless hours knitting caps and blankets for premature babies and later blankets donated to cancer patients. She touched many lives and shared her talents through teaching her crafts or skills or simply giving her treasures away. One of her favorite hobbies was crafting an original "Angel" ornament each year for Christmas that she shared with friends and family.

Sue is survived by her daughter, Sandi Hughey; her son, Sam Melson; her daughter-in-law, Susi Melson; granddaughter, Carrie Rhoades (Bill); grandson, Tyler Melson; great-granddaughters, Hannah and Samantha Rhoades; four brothers; two sisters; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sue was prceeded in death by her husband, Bud Melson; her son, Bob Melson; two sisters, Faye Melson (Andy), and Vesta LaRosa (Tony); and her parents, Henry and Martha Taylor.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, at the Rupert Cemetery. Those attending will be required to comply with social distancing guidelines.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Rasmussen-Wilson Funeral Home of Burley.