Cora Melvina “Melva” Perrine, daughter of the late Robert J. and Flossie M. (Gann) Crossland, was born September 20, 1930 in Wharton, Missouri near Bloodland. In 1931, the family moved to Williford, Arkansas where Melva attended school.

Melva had accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior and was baptized. At the time of her passing, she was a devoted member of the Fairview Baptist Church and attended faithfully until her health permitted her from doing so.

In 1950, Melva was united in marriage to Hubert Lee Baldridge in Williford, Arkansas and in 1952, they moved to the Buckhorn, Missouri area. Hubert passed away in September 1966 and in April 1982 Melva was united in marriage to C. George Perrine in Waynesville, Missouri. They shared several years of wonderful memories together before George preceded her in death in February 1997.

Melva was a devoted mother and loved her family and church family very much. She took great pride in providing for her family. In her spare time, Melva enjoyed doing embroidery work and embroidered beautiful pillowcases that she would give as gifts. Melva was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 3168 of Laquey, MO.

Melva went home to be with her Lord at 9:55 A.M. Thursday, December 18, 2008 in the Life Care Center of Waynesville, Missouri at the age of 78 years, 2 months and 28 days.

Melva leaves to cherish her memory one sister: Lillie Teufel and her husband Dave of Waynesville, MO; one brother: Dexter Crossland of Richland, MO; three grandsons: Dexter Frey and his wife Tammy, and Troy Frey and his wife Katy all of Waynesville, MO and Michael Frey and his wife Debbi of Chesterton, IN; four great grandchildren: Misty Dawn, Kayla, Robert and Seth Frey; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and special friends: Dorothy Gfeller, Joan Quesenberry and her son, Mark. She also leaves her two beloved dogs, Baby and Ewok.

In addition to her parents and husbands, Melva was preceded in death by one daughter: Patricia Frey (April 2006).

Funeral services were held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, December 22, 2008 in the Waynesville Memorial Chapel with Rev. Larry Suggs officiating. Soloist Becky Lercher sang “Amazing Grace” and “When the Roll Is Called Up Yonder”. Serving as escorts were Dexter Frey, Michael Frey, Mark Quesenberry, Troy Frey, Larry Eckleberry and Joe Webber. Serving as honorary escorts were John Teufel and Rick Landreth.

Burial followed in the Buckhorn Cemetery. Services were under the direction of Waynesville Memorial Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Melva Perrine to the American Kidney Foundation and may be left at Waynesville Memorial Chapel.