The daughters of Virginia (Crawford) Melson are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved mother on July 2, 2026, at the age of 100. She had been a resident of Kansas Christian Home in Newton, KS since December, 2024.

Virginia was born at home on the family farm two-and-a-quarter miles west of Bentley, Kansas in January, 1926, the daughter of Homer and Louise Crawford. As the youngest child and only girl, she grew up under the protection of her three older brothers. All the children helped with the chores on the farm. After graduation from Bentley High School, Virginia attended Ottawa University for one year before entering nursing training at Halstead Hospital School of Nursing and graduated in 1949. She practiced nursing for many years at Halstead Hospital and the Hertzler Clinic. She also worked at the Veterans Hospital in Wichita, and at the Halstead, Sedgwick, and Colwich nursing homes. She retired in 1982.

Virginia met James Gaylor, a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Force, in Wichita. They were married in June, 1950. They became the parents of two daughters, Roberta and Marilyn. The marriage later ended in divorce. In 1958, she married Wesley Melson, a widower who was the Postmaster of Bentley, Kansas, and who had a young daughter, Vickie. Wes and Virginia adopted each other’s daughters, thus completing their family of five. They were married for 28 years, until his death in 1986.

Virginia was active with Wes in his State and National League of Postmasters organizations, and in the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. She served the City of Bentley on election days and served briefly as Bentley City Treasurer. She was a lifelong member of Bethany Baptist Church, where she played piano and organ. In her later years she enjoyed Bentley Senior Center Activities, taking trips with the Village Travel Agency and taking an Alaskan cruise with her daughter Marilyn.

Most of all, Virginia was our loving Mom, nursing us through childhood illnesses, teaching us life skills, and putting up with our pranks. Our family enjoyed exploring new places and creating treasured memories on the family vacations we were fortunate to take to several areas of the country.

Virginia is survived by her daughters Roberta (Michael) Warren of Plymouth, MA, Vickie Lane of Wichita, KS and Marilyn (Bob) Akers of Newton, KS; 4 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Louise and Homer Crawford; her husband, Wesley Melson; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Donald (Virginia) Crawford, Glenn (Alta, June) Crawford and Bill (Pauline) Crawford, and one grandchild, Jonathan Akers.

The family wishes to sincerely thank the staffs of Kansas Christian Home and Newton Good Shepherd Hospice for their loving care of our Mom in her last days. She benefitted greatly from your exceptional care and many kindnesses, which she appreciated as much as we did. May God bless you all.

Visitation will be from 9 to 10 am on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at Valley Christian Church,1801 East 5th Street, Valley Center, KS. A Celebration of Life will follow from 10 to 11 am at the church. Graveside service will follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery, 12010 West 109th Street W at 119th Street W, Bentley, KS. Arrangements by Baker Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kansas Christian Home or to Good Shepherd Hospice.