Melba Adams, age 91, of Fayetteville, Arkansas died Monday, April 10, 2017 at Jamestown Nursing Home in Rogers.

She was born October 19, 1925 in Elkins, the daughter of Adolph and Myrtle Elizabeth (Clark) King.

She was a lifelong resident of Northwest Arkansas. Despite being raised during the hardship of the depression, our Boppy had a very happy childhood in Elkins. Surrounded by a passel of beloved cousins, siblings, and country friends. She enjoyed many grand adventures which were often retold in later years with delight and perhaps the slightest hint of embellishment to her enraptured listeners.

As she matured, her quick wit and striking beauty was undeniable, turning the heads of many a young man, not the least of which was a handsome marine who just happened to be home on leave from the war in the Pacific. After a whirlwind three week courtship, she and Ward K. Adams eloped on April 3, 1944, a seemingly rash decision that resulted in a loving union that would last over 70 years until Ward's death in May of 2014.

Boppy had many varied talents and interests throughout her life. She had the magic touch when it came to growing flowers. She enjoyed fishing for crappie in the spring at Pinhook, quick jaunts to the Missouri line for scratch off tickets, and frequent trips with Ward to Hot Springs during racing season. Her ability to handicap race horses was legendary and quite profitable. She had a beautiful singing voice and enjoyed hosting Saturday night music parties or card games with friends at her home.

She prided herself in being an active Senior Democrat and championing for women's equality. She was quite pleased that she was able to live long enough to vote for a woman for President and equally discouraged that it didn't happen years ago.

She made many beautiful quilts, was a voracious reader, and was one of the best cooks in town, widely celebrated for her pies with the amazingly flaky crust. Boppy loved fiercely, argued vehemently, laughed heartily, and lived passionately. She was epic and we will miss her.

Melba was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband of 70 years, Ward Kay Adams.

She is survived by three sons, David (and Holly) Adams of Frederick, Colorado, Gil (and Judi) Adams of Tulsa, Oklahoma and Marty (and Pam) Adams of Iowa City, Iowa; a daughter, Kay (and husband, Terry) Weiderhaft of Rogers; two brothers, Harold King of Troy, Michigan and Gary King (and wife, Mary) of Springdale, Arkansas; a sister, Francis Jane (and husband, Wilton) Bonnell of Fayetteville; nine grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Visitation is 5:00–7:00 p.m., Monday April 17, 2017 at Moore's Chapel.

Funeral service is at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday at Moore's Chapel.

Burial to follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens in Fayetteville.