Mrs. Melva May Oliver Sanders, 92, of Rochester, was surrounded by her loving family when she passed away at 10:45 AM, Monday, September 12th, 2011 at her home. A lifetime resident of Fulton County, Melva was born on October 20, 1918, to Edward and Bessie Bybee Lowe. As one of eight children she shared her childhood with six sisters and a brother. Melva was first married to Rue Oliver. With their love and appreciation for a big family they were the proud parents of four daughters and four sons. Later in life she married John Sanders. As the matriarch of her family, Melva oversaw a vast family tree of five generations that included 23 grandchildren, 42 great grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. An awesome accomplishment that anyone would be so proud. Melva also appreciated the loyal companionship of her canines, Trixie and Pepe' who remained devoted near her bedside. Melva was a dedicated employee of the Torin Corporation for twenty one years. Utilizing her culinary skills she cooked at the Moose Lodge, The V.F.W., the A & W Root Beer Stand and the Dam Landing when it was owned by Dick and Ellen Sherbondy. A memorable moment in her career occurred in 1952, when she oversaw the kitchen at the Colonial Hotel on the northwest shore of Lake Manitou. Indiana 2nd District Representative, Charles A. Halleck was accompanied by Richard M Nixon, Vice-Presidential running mate to Dwight D. Eisenhower and it was Melva who prepared a delicious lunch for the two. Also during her years at the Colonial, it was at the time of the "Big Band," era. She prepared many of her specialties for some notable musicians and big name bands including Les Brown and Duke Ellington. To relax Melva was accomplished with a variety of handiwork. She crocheted dollies and scarves, embroidered pillowcases and did needle point artwork which some pictures decorated the walls of her home. A friend to domestic backyard birds of Indiana she fed them and enjoyed observing their behaviors. She was especially fond of the hummingbirds and finches. Melva enjoyed the social nights out at the Eagles and Moose, playing bingo. She was a member of the Auxillaries of the Eagles, Manitou V.F. W., Leroy SHelton American Legion Post all of Rochester and the Moose Lodge of Plymouth. An avid fisherman, Melva could be seen on the banks of some local private ponds and sometimes the gravel pit with her casting rod or cane pole depending on her mood. Reeling in the catch of the day, blue gill were always at the top of the list. Many times she caught the limit. It was a great way to relax and be close to nature she so dearly treasured. "Granny" looked forward to hosting family at the holidays and special celebrations. She was always prepared, filling the special requests and all of the delectable delights in demand. Melva will be lovingly remembered by her four daughters, Ruth Ellen Ballinger and husband Dave of Granger, Patricia Mellinger and husband Greg of Rochester, Maxine Cowles and husband Don of Rochester, Debra Dell and husband Dennis of Rochester; four sons, Junior Oliver and wife Verna of Kewanna, Walter Edward Oliver and wife Valery of Pierceton, Robert John Oliver of Rochester, Harry James Oliver and wife Sandy of Angola; two step-sons, John Sanders, Jr. of Joliet, IL, Minard Sanders of Fort Wayne, IN; and two canine companions, Trixie and Pepe' the black cocker spaniel-poodle blend. She was preceded in death by her parents, husbands, a granddaughter Amy Arnett in 2000, six sisters and one brother. She will laid to rest in the Rochester IOOF Cemetery .