Melba Boysen

Melba Ruth Boysen, 96, of Murdo, S.D., passed away on September 18, 2024, at Monument Health Home+ Home Health and Hospice, in Rapid City, S.D.

Melba was born November 4, 1927, in Keya Paha County, Neb., to Henry Lumsden, Sr. and Ruth (Nolan) Lumsden. She grew up with three brothers and two sisters. Later the family moved to Hubbard, Neb., where she graduated from Hubbard High School in 1946. She graduated from Wayne State College in 1947. She married Arlan F. Boysen in 1948 and they moved to Murdo, S.D. in 1950. They had two children, Jean E. (Boysen) Lanz and Raymond A. Boysen.

Arlan and Melba owned and operated the Zoart Motel in Murdo, South Dakota for 16 years. Melba was an active member of the Murdo United Methodist Church, where she taught the preschool Sunday school class and was a member of the church choir for many years. She was a member of the Book and Thimble Club, where she played a part in story hour for preschoolers.

She is survived by her son Raymond of Rapid City, S.D., her son-in-law Rodney Lanz of St. Francis, S.D., granddaughter Alecia Lanz of Valentine, Neb., and grandson Brian Lanz of Scotland, S.D.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and daughter.

Funeral services were held at the Murdo United Methodist Church on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. CST. at 406 Jefferson Ave., Murdo, S.D. Burial will follow at the Murdo Cemetery.