Melba Joyce Abbott

September 8, 1925 - February 5, 2019

Melba Joyce Abbott, affectionately known as Nana to all who loved her, Joined her late husband, Earl “Poppa” Abbott on February 5, 2019. She passed away peacefully with her extended family surrounding her at her bedside in her home in Twisp, Washington. We all wish that we can leave something significant behind when we pass. Nana did just that with four children, six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren, each of whom model her fierce independence. Each of us have been blessed to have had Nana in our lives. She and Poppa shared a full and eventful life traveling together from Missouri to Illinois, Wisconsin, California, Nevada and finally Washington where, at last, she touched the face of God. Nana and Poppa had a favorite destination in their lifelong journey together: Las Vegas. As both have now passed to the afterlife, each of us can readily visualize them driving together on one final road trip to a magical casino in the sky. On this drive together they see a brilliant rainbow off in the horizon. Nana, of course, is doing her usual backseat driving. Upon arriving at this casino, they glide inside the entrance and find themselves instantly in awe of flashing neon lights and are able to hear the robust clanging of slot machine bells announcing jackpots to be paid. Poppa has moved on to the card tables to try his luck and Nana has dropped a coin into a nearby slot machine. Then, wham, she hits the ever elusive triple sevens! Nana you WON! Dear Nana, you not only won at the casino, you won in life and love. You won all of our hearts. We are forever grateful you were our Nana. We miss you beyond words. Rest in Peace.