Clear, 51° F
Melba Jean Tyler, 89, passed away in her home on Nov. 8, 2025, with family at her side.
She was born in Benton, Arkansas, on Oct. 6, 1936, to Willie L. and Violet B. (Gentry) Harris. She attended Ruraldale and Benton schools before attending Henderson College, graduating in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Home Economics and earning a teaching certificate.
She married Kenneth Floyd Tyler on his birthday in 1958, and together, they had three children: Kevin, June and Candace. Melba taught English and science in Arkansas before moving to Cody in 1979. She then worked as an attendance secretary for the high school, junior high and later middle school. She was adored by many for her kindness and no
nonsense attitude.
Melba and Ken enjoyed their retirement in Cody, where Melba spent her time caring for her loved ones. There was never a problem so great that she couldn’t fix it with something she baked and some witty, Southern expressions. Her grandchildren joke that their granddaddy only knew where the kitchen was because he built it. They fondly remember serving the drinks and meals Melba prepared for him. In his final years, Ken was her loving and tender caregiver. Her children and grandchildren were honored to pick up where he left off and cherished her as she had them.
She was a longtime member of the former Grace Baptist Church. Later, they attended Cody Bible Church. After Ken’s death, she faithfully attended Grace Point Church in Powell with her daughter.
Melba was preceded in death by her parents, sister and her loving husband, Ken.
She is survived by her children Kevin (Lisa) Tyler, June Johnson and Candace (Mike) Hirsch, grandchildren Nick Tyler, Jonathan and Leif Johnson, Keela (Logan) Hopkin, Taylor (Stefon) Carroll and Gabrielle (Harrison) Womack, and great-grandchildren KayCee, Cade and Macie Hopkin and Kaleb, Michael and Zachary Carroll, her sister, Phillis Elliott, and many nieces and nephews.
Cremation services are with Ballard Funeral Home.
Memories and condolences may be shared on Melba’s memorial page at ballardfh.com.
