Melva Belle CANTLEY

Melva Belle Thorpe-Cantley (nee Mays) passed away at the age of 88 in Lake St. Louis, MO. on Sunday, January 21, 2024. She was the beloved wife of her current husband, Clyde; dear mother of Laura (Richard) Connelly, Elizabeth Kay (Mark) Grossenbacher, Dave (Teresa) Stayton, and Paula (Tim) Connelly; dear grandmother of Leslie (Scott) Brown (nee Grossenbacher), and Scott (Regina) Grossenbacher; dear greatgrandmother of Blake and Dylan Grossenbacher and Kade and Kinley Brown; dear sister-in-law of Beverly Nahm (nee Thorpe) and Doyce Thorpe-Fiore. Melva was preceded in death by her first husband, Eugene Warren Thorpe (2008); her siblings Jarmin Lee Mays, Duel Mays and Mary Maxwell (nee Mays); in-laws Vera Mays, Jesse Lee Maxwell, Brian Thorpe, Bert Nahm; nephew, Steve Thorpe. Late in life (2011), she remarried and became step-mother to Cindi (Mitch) Boyer (nee Cantley), Eric (Jan) Cantley and Fred Cantley; dear step-grandmother of Dawn (Ken) Schultz, Erica (Joshua) Kerr (nee Cantley) and Micah (Emily) Cantley; dear step-greatgrandmother to Kenny, Kylee and Kamryn Schultz, Landon, Bryce, Jordyn and Bentley Kerr, and Liam, Scarlet and Aiden Cantley. She was dear aunt, cousin and friend to many. Melva was born May 17, 1935, to Melvin and Tresella Mays in Pocahontas, AR. The family moved to New Melle, MO. and eventually to St. Louis. Melva was a faithful follower of Christ and served in many capacities such as vacation Bible school Director, Sunday school teacher, and various other ministries. She was devoted to her family, and had a servants heart. She took delight in spending time with family and friends. Melva was well-known for being a practical joker and the giving of creative, humorous gifts. She never met a stranger and her vivacious, outgoing, personality has had a ripple effect to countless others. She was dearly loved, and will be greatly missed! Services: The funeral services will be on Saturday, February 3, at Ridgecrest Baptist Church, 1731 Zumbehl Rd., St Charles, MO. Visitation 12 - 2 PM and services at 2:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the ACM (Alliance of Christian Missions) ministry: Can make check payable to ACM International and mail to: ACM International - Maxwells PO Box 9374 Peoria, IL. 61612 Or click here to give: https://acminternational.com/

Melva Belle CANTLEY

May 17, 1935 - January 21, 2024