Melba G. Burch, age 69, of Douglas passed away Saturday, December 12th at the Coffee Regional Medical Center after a short illness. She was a native of Alma but had lived many years in Douglas. She was preceded in death by her step father James Conrad and mother Ruth Mills Conrad.

Survivors include her husband of 17 years, Johnny Burch of Douglas, two sons, Joseph Lee Ricketson (Jessica) of Valdosta, Ga. and Stacy Lindon Ricketson (Larue) of Nicholls, a daughter, Esther Rene' Hardwick (Ricky) of Alma, two brothers, Danny Conrad of Virginia and Tony Conrad of Alma, three sisters, Theresa Gray of Waycross, Sharon Conrad of Alma and Ronda Conrad of Clayton, Ga.; also 5 grandchildren survive.

Graveside services will be held Tuesday, December 15th at 2:00 PM at Douglas Chapel Church Cemetery with Rev. Travis Peavy and Rev. Nathan Greer officiating. The family will be receiving friends at the funeral home Monday from 6 to 9 PM.

Active pallbearers will be; Mitchell, Zach, and Cody Ricketson, Kyle and Bobby Boatright and Clyde Fraley. All others in attendance will be considered honorary escorts.

Crosby Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.