Melva June (Johnson) Rosenbalm 1948 - 2022
Melva June (Johnson) Rosenbalm passed away June 8, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She was just shy of her 74th birthday.
Born June 26, 1948, in Portland, Oregon, Melva was the daughter of Melvin and Marjorie (Walker) Johnson. The family soon moved to Ballston, Oregon, where Melva was raised along with her brother, Marvin Johnson. She graduated from Amity High School and went on to Oregon College of Education (now WOU), where she received her bachelor’s degree in Education. She later completed her master’s degree at Linfield College.
Melva married Ken Rosenbalm in 1968. They settled into life in Amity, Oregon, where they raised their two children, (Robert) James Rosenbalm and Jeanna (Rosenbalm) Bottenberg. For three decades, Melva taught science, math and home economics for the Willamina School District.
Melva was an active member of Amity United Methodist Church for nearly 50 years, and in her spare time enjoyed quilting, traveling and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, Kenny; son, James Rosenbalm (Fran); daughter, Jeanna Bottenberg (Ray); grandchildren, Cody, Cy, Trey, Tyra, Sierra, Emilio, Vivian, Anthony and Ian; and great-grandchildren, Wyatt, Hallie Ann and Jayce. Melva was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her brother, Marvin David Johnson.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Amity United Methodist Church. The family welcomes anyone who held Melva in their heart and hopes to hear your memories of her and how she touched your life. Memorial donations may be made in Melva’s name to the Suttle Lake United Methodist Church Camp, a very special location for Melva and the entire family. To leave online condolences, please visit www.macyandson.com.
Comments
bonnybedlam
I took home-ec from Mrs. Rosenbalm (as she will always be known in my heart) every year it was offered, starting in middle school. She was, quite possibly, the finest, fairest, most educational teacher I ever had. The scientific and mathematical precision she taught, and demanded, in cooking and sewing cause me to deeply regret not having the opportunity to learn math and science from her as well. Just two days my brother in law was helping me make a cake for my sister, who was also a devoted student, and I found myself channeling her words to explain to him that you can't measure liquid in a dry measuring cup. At least not accurately. She was simply the best and the district suffered a great loss when she retired. The loss to her family is incalculable, but her memory will live on in the thousands of lives she improved with her strict skills and good humor.