Melbalene Bell of Puxico, Missouri, daughter of the late Floyd E. and Cora F. (Beal) Clinton  was born on July 5, 1935, in Puxico, Missouri, and passed from this life on April 2, 2023, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, at the age of 87 years.

She  lived in Southeast Missouri all of her life.  She loved to drive, liked bird watching, she was a loyal member of the Sammy Kershaw Fan Club. She loved spending time with family and friends, especially spoiling her grandchildren. A lady who enjoyed working but the greatest thing she truly loved was her passion for cooking. Melba had worked in numerous restaurants but she was most noted for owning and operating the restaurant that became an icon in Puxico, Missouri known as Mels Diner for 23 years. A restaurant where everyone, customers and employees were treated as her family. Melba was a member of the First Baptist Church of Puxico.

She is survived by four sons; Charles (Gail) Trout of Bloomfield, Missouri; Randy Trout of St. Charles, Missouri; Jim (Shelly) Trout of Puxico, Missouri;  Dennis Trout of Wappapello, Missouri; one daughter Nicole (Jeff) Holloway of Puxico; two brothers, Ronnal Clinton of Puxico and Doug (Anita) Clinton of Senath, Missouri; two sisters, Phyllis (Ted) Pederson of Farwell, Minnesota; Shirley Duer of Cape Girardeau, Missouri; a lifelong close personal friend Charlotte Sifford. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother Wendall Clinton; three sisters Elois Young, Merlyn Cummings and Bonnie June Clinton.

Visitation  Service will be held on Friday, April 7, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. until time of Service at 1:00 p.m. at the Watkins and Sons Funeral Chapel with Pastor Doug Clinton officiating.

Interment will follow at Duck Creek Cemetery near Puxico with Watkins And Sons Funeral Service of Dexter in charge of arrangements.