White Oak - Melba Lilly (Staton) Underwood, 93, of White Oak, formerly of Ghent, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 17, 2026, after a long illness. She passed peacefully at Bowers Hospice House with family and loved ones by her side.

She was born August 10, 1932, in Summers County, WV, and was the eldest child of the late Boone and Lemma Lilly. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 42 years, Robert Underwood; two sons Larry and Michael Staton, and a brother Marvin Lilly.

Melba is survived by two daughters, Kathy (Butch) Lilly of Ghent and Laura Baxter of Henrico, VA, two sisters Lynn (Wayne) Conner and Gloria (Jack) Barber, both of Ghent, WV. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 30 great grandchildren, and 2 great, great grandchildren. Also left to cherish her memory are three special caregivers that have been with her for years and loved her like family; Nanette Roark, Janie Morris, and Judy Richards. Their dedication to Melba was truly a blessing in her life and to her family.

Melba had a deep love for all of her family. She attended out of town family events whenever possible, traveled with family on vacations, and loved for family to visit. When they did she made sure everyone felt loved and welcomed.

Her most beloved past time was working in her yard; planting flowers, trees, and shrubs and generally being outdoors. She enjoyed doing community beautification projects, including planting flowers and bulbs with the Shady Spring Garden Club, or the students in the Conservation Club.

Melba was a retired school teacher, having taught in Brunswick, OH, Dunnellon, FL, and ending her teaching career in Raleigh County, WV. She was a devoted teacher and took pride when her students succeeded in the classroom. After retirement, she continued to substitute teach until she was 81 yrs. old and declining health forced her to stop. Melba and Bob were Shaklee representatives for years, and she loved Shaklee vitamins.

Melba, her father Boone Lilly, and others were instrumental in the rejuvenation of the Lilly Reunion grounds. She had a passion for the Lilly genealogy and researching the Lilly family. The Lilly Genealogy booth at the grounds has been named in her honor. She also took care of the Lilly Family Cemetery at Ghent for many years. She formed work parties and helped to expand the lower area for additional gravesites.

She was an active member of many local civic clubs too. She served as President and other positions in the Shady Spring District Garden Club, was a member of the Shady Spring Women's Club and was a founding member of the Raleigh County Republican Women's Club, which she was very passionate about.

Melba loved the Lord and was a member of Gloryland Baptist Church in Camp Creek, WV, where she sang in the choir.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Bower Hospice House in Melba's memory.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home in Shady Spring, WV, on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 3:00 pm, with Pastor Jack Barber officiating. Friends may visit with the family one hour prior to the service.

Private online condolences and other expressions of sympathy may be made to the family via our guestbook at www.roseandquesenberry.net.

Arrangements are by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, 729 Flat Top Road, Shady Spring, WV.