Melba Christine Solemsaas' Obituary
Melba Solemsaas, age 91, passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026 surrounded by loved ones. Born on September 24, 1934, Melba lived a life marked by friendship, hospitality, and honesty, touching the hearts of everyone who knew her.
Melba grew up in Deer Park and later made her home in Pasadena. She was baptized into the Christian faith on May 1, 1945, and welcomed into the family God at Zion Lutheran Church in Pasadena on April 4, 1993. She spent much of her life supervising food services at Pasadena Independent School District.
She spent 38 years volunteering at Bayshore Hospital, later renamed to HCA Hospital. She married Galen (Ole) Solemsaas on February 19, 1991, and together they shared 34 years of partnership, love, and laughter. Melba was a devoted mother to Vicki, Michael, and Eric, and a cherished grandmother and friend to so many.
Melba found joy in her beloved church - Zion Lutheran Church in Pasadena, Texas - and received the blessing of Jesus' love, and served faithfully on the Altar Guild, as a Greeter, and a life-long member of the LWML. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched and the memories she created with family and friends.
She is survived by her loving husband Galen (Ole) Lloyd Solemsaas, Daughter Vicki Coleman, Sons, Michael (Debi Hilton), and Eric (Adriana Solemsaas), grandson Michael Chad Watson and great-granddaughters Kellie Watson and Katelynn Watson. She is preceded in death by her parents.
A service to honor Melba's life will be held on January 27, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Southpark Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate her memory. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Zion Lutheran Church. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all here church family, medical caregivers, friends, and the community for their support and compassion.
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