Melba Gull King, our very own centenarian, after a life well-lived, passed away in the early evening of May 29, 2026, in the comfort of her home in Spanish Fork, Utah. After being a widow for 30 years, she is now reunited with her eternal companion.
Melba was born on December 10, 1924, in Spanish Fork, Utah, to Raymond Gull and Margaret Lenore Gardner Gull. She spent her childhood and much of her life in Spanish Fork, the town that she loved. She graduated Spanish Fork High School, where, as a natural athlete, she was involved in all athletics including the state championship high school basketball team of 1944. She attended Brigham Young University for a year but continued to seek knowledge and learn, encouraging her children to do the same.
She married her sweetheart, Frank George King, in the Salt Lake Utah LDS Temple on January 15, 1945. Their wedding reception was a double celebration with her sister, Elizabeth and husband, Norman Barnes. Melba and Frank raised their children: George, Ronald, Karolyn, Kevin, and Melba Ann, primarily in Spanish Fork, Utah.
Melba demonstrated a special connection with all mankind and enjoyed interacting with everyone and anyone. Her home was a welcoming, safe place for all. She also found joy in tending to her yard and working on genealogy. She served as secretary of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers, South Center Company, as well as captain of the J Wylie Camp, among other offices in those organizations. Melba also served on the woman’s legislative council. Melba was always civic-minded holding offices in the American Legion Auxiliary, at a state level as President of District 4, as well as President, along with other offices of Post 68, in Spanish Fork. Melba was employed over the years in the offices of Columbia-Geneva U.S. Steel (Rolling Mill Purchasing Dept.); at Milford Utah Hospital; and in the high school office. She spent approximately 14 years in the office of Dr. Moody; and another 14 years at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center hospital.
A member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Melba served willingly wherever called, including as Sunday School secretary and Sunday School teacher, and was a counselor in the 2 nd Ward Relief Society with Lenore Carlson.
Melba is survived by her children: George G. (Gayanne) King; Janice King Foster (Ron), daughter-in-law (wife of Ronald); Karolyn Thielman; Kevin F. (Lesa) King; and Melba Ann (Jason) Orcutt. Also survived by 23 grandchildren, 83 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents; her in-laws: George T King and Annie Davis King. Also preceded in death by her son, Ronald K. King; son-in-law: Don Thielman; daughters-in-law: Kristine (wife of Kevin); Sharon (wife of George); granddaughter, Jody Ann King; and by her sisters: Beatrice G. Healey, Donna Anderson, Elizabeth Barnes, and Lila Curtis.
3 Condolences for Melba Gull King
Condolences(3)
Elaine Corless says
June 3, 2026 at 6:10 pmMelba King always inspired me with her kindness and knowledge and that special gift to make everyone feel loved. What a beautiful Mother and Grandmother who lead with such grace. Having my friendship with her beautiful Daughter (Melba Ann) for 50 years has been my connection. And I see these same qualities and gifts in you Melba Ann King Orcutt. You have been so loving to your Mom, such a great daughter and example for KoDie and Karlee and your grandson. Our Love and Hugs to you always Melba Ann
karlee says
June 6, 2026 at 7:12 pmBest grandma ever 🌹🕊️
Chris Dixon says
June 8, 2026 at 4:25 amWe loved Melba, we all did. It is said of Jesus, “We love him, because he first loved us.” John 4:19 Perhaps that is why we loved her so much; because she loved us. She gave and as someone once said, “Do you want more? There is plenty more where that came from.” She had a never-ending source of love and goodness and gave freely.
Her son Ron and I were very good friends. I learned to love all the Kings; they were a second family to me. I was in their home often and I am sure I more than wore out my welcome on many occasions, but I felt their love. I ate many a meal at their table and laughed at their jokes. I still remember many of the jokes. I remember Melba cooking onion ring for us. They were delicious. Just a few years ago I visited Kevin in his home. Melba had made a delicious chocolate cake for him from scratch. As I remember he shared a slice with me. That is impressive, well into her nineties she made a delicious chocolate cake from scratch and shared it with us. At the funeral Kevin from the pulpit told us he loved us and I felt it. I knew He loved us. Melba left us a wonderful legacy, a heritage of love. May we learn from her to love. I’m sure that is a large part of Kevin’s lessons in loving.
May the good Lord bless us all with love and may we share freely! “There is plenty more where that came from”
With love
Chris Dixon