Frances Roberts Melde

Frances Juanita (Roberts) Melde went to be with her Lord and Savior on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, in Georgetown, Texas.

Born on September 6, 1932, in Lockhart, Texas, Frances was the beloved daughter of Hettie Maude (McMahan) and Joseph Benjamin Roberts. Her life was marked by a quiet strength, a gentle spirit, and an unwavering faith that she faithfully instilled in her family. She was compassionate, hardworking, and selfless, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Frances spent her early years in Lockhart, where she developed a lifelong love for family, community, and, of course, good Texas barbecue. She later moved to Corpus Christi, where she met the love of her life, Noris Melde. Their story began on a double date to a drive-in movie, where Noris arrived wearing a suit, and Frances often shared how she was taken by him that very first night. Within six months, they were married, beginning a beautiful 64-year marriage rooted in love, faith, and devotion.

Together, they built a life and raised their three children—Bruce Melde (Bobbie), Jeff Melde (Tina), and Celeste Lesmeister (Brian)—on their farm in Concordia near Bishop, Texas. Frances created a home filled with warmth, laughter, and unconditional love.

Lovingly known as “Nana,” Frances’s greatest joy was her family. Her nine grandchildren—Shawna Maedgen (Dee), Codi Melde, Nichole Melde, Jordan Lesmeister, Cheyenne Melde, Dakota Melde, Reagan Weitzman (Gabe), Madison Hunter (Colton), and Joseph Benjamin (JB) Melde—and her four great-grandchildren—Bailey Maedgen, Kaitlyn Maedgen, Aria Newman, and Emily Maedgen—were the light of her life. She cherished each of them deeply, always eager to hear their stories and celebrate their lives.

Frances had a rare gift for making everyone feel welcome. Her home was always open, her table always full, and no one ever left without a home-cooked meal. With a gentle presence and a kind heart, she made people feel seen, loved, and cared for. Her laughter, often so full that it brought tears to her eyes, was a joy to all who heard it.

She dedicated 35 years of service to King Ranch, where she formed lasting friendships and was known for her loyalty and strong work ethic. Frances was also a devoted member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bishop, Texas, where she faithfully served through the LWML and Dorcas Circle.

Frances is preceded in death by her parents, Hettie Maude and Joseph Benjamin Roberts; her brothers, Joseph Benjamin (JB) Roberts and Ralph Roberts; and her beloved husband, Noris Melde.

She is survived by her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family—including the many nieces, nephews, cousins, and loved ones of the Melde, Remmert, and Roberts families—each of whom she held close to her heart.

Frances’s legacy is one of faith, love, and selfless devotion. She lived her life as a quiet example of grace, always putting others before herself and pointing those around her toward what truly matters. Though she will be deeply missed, her spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched and in the family she loved so dearly.

Her life was a gift, and her memory will be treasured forever.

A Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Friday, April 10, 2026 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Bishop, Texas, 801 Main St, Bishop, Texas. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Burial will follow at Lutheran Concordia Cemetery in Bishop, Texas

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