Melvina A. Waterhouse, 87, of Eau Claire, passed away on Monday, November 28, 2011, at Mayo Clinic Health System with her family at her side. She was born on September 5, 1924, in Minneapolis, MN, to Olaf and Sylvia (Warp) Sparby. In 1929, she moved with her family to a farm near Sand Creek, WI. She graduated from Colfax High School with the class of 1942. After graduation she moved to Eau Claire and worked at the U.S. Rubber Company and W.P.A. She also worked for the Social Security Administration in Milwaukee and Eau Claire. In her later years, she worked as a bookkeeper for Schwan's Ice Cream and also for the City of Eau Claire in the Treasurers Office. On May 28, 1949, she married Stanton A. Waterhouse at Zion Lutheran Church in Sand Creek. She was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd for 52 years and was active in many church activities including Vice President of the ALCW. She also served as a Cub Scout Den Mother and was a member of the Eau Claire Moose Lodge #1408. Melvina enjoyed watching football and baseball, especially on a sunny, summer afternoon in the grandstand at Carson Park. She was an avid follower of public affairs and took a great interest in the activities of the Eau Claire City Council. Melvina always looked forward to the monthly birthday lunches with her former co-workers. She also enjoyed Sunday afternoon dinners with her family at the Altoona Family Restaurant and drives in the country near her childhood home in Sand Creek. Melvina is survived by her son, Glen Waterhouse; and daughter, Dawn Waterhouse both of Eau Claire; two sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 41 years, Stanton; two brothers, Charles and Dennis Sparby; and other nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Melvina will be at 11AM on Thursday, December 1, 2011, at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 1120 Cedar St. in Eau Claire with Pastor Gerd J. Bents officiating. Burial will be in Lakeview Cemetery, Eau Claire. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service on Thursday, at the church. The family requests memorials be directed to the Just Because Ministry at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.
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