Melba June Croney

Melba June Croney, age 57, of Moberly, Missouri, passed away on July 18, 2025, at Boone Hospital in Columbia, Missouri.

Melba was born on November 30, 1967, in West Plains, Missouri, to Scottie and Alice Caldwell. She grew up in southern Missouri and graduated from Couch High School in Myrtle in 1986. On May 17, 1986, she married the love of her life, Mitchell Croney, in Mammoth Spring, Arkansas.

With a strong work ethic and a passion for helping others, Melba built a successful career in real estate that spanned nearly 25 years. She began her career in Lincoln County, Missouri, where she served with distinction as President of the Board of Realtors, and later continued her work in Randolph County. She was known not only for her professional integrity but also for the care and encouragement she offered to both clients and colleagues.

Outside of work, Melba embraced life with a creative and joyful spirit. She loved painting, sewing, and crafting—especially making wreaths. Summers often found her boating with family and friends at Mark Twain Lake, one of her favorite places to relax and create lasting memories. But perhaps her greatest joy came from spending time with her beloved granddaughters, Sierra and Rozella, whom she cherished deeply.

Melba will be remembered for her unwavering positivity, her ability to see the good in everyone, and the warmth she shared with everyone she met. Her upbeat spirit and boundless love touched the lives of many and will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her father and mother, Scottie and Alice Caldwell; her stepmother, Cora Caldwell, who passed on the same day and time as Melba; her brothers, Wesley (and his wife Diane) Caldwell, and Douglas Caldwell.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 39 years, Mitchell Croney of Moberly; her daughters, Allicia Clark and Mary Croney (fiancé Phillip Stephenson); her cherished grandchildren, twin girls Sierra and Rozella Stephenson; her brothers, Scottie (Traci) Caldwell and Andrew Caldwell; her stepbrother Daniel Zook; stepsister Thelma Franks; and her loving aunt, Scheryl Helms.

Melba's legacy of love, kindness, and positivity will forever remain in the hearts of her family, friends, and community.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Pathway Millard Family Funeral Chapel in Moberly. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow the service at Oakland Cemetery in Moberly.

Local arrangements are under the direction of Pathway-Millard Family Funeral Chapel, 411 Union Avenue, Moberly, MO 65270 (660)263-7284. Condolences may be left online for the family at www.pathwaymemorial.com.