Melba Van Ess

Melba Van Ess was a fun-loving woman who fostered a great sense of humor and was always joking around with her great-grandson. She will be remembered for her favorite word, “purdy,” which she attached to almost everything. With an insatiable love for ice cream of any kind, Melba was a loving and tender mother and grandmother who was truly happy when she was with her family.

While WWI raged on overseas, John and Florence (Leach) McHoskey, of Grandville, Michigan, were focusing their attention on the birth of their daughter, Melba Mary, on November 16, 1917. Melba was the second and final child in the McHoskey family, and was raised in the Grandville area. She attended local schools and graduated from high school.

Exciting changes were in store for Melba when she met and married the love of her life, George Van Ess. They initially settled into an apartment on the northwest side of the city, and later moved into a home on Northrup NW where they lived for many years. The couple was blessed with the birth of their son Gregg in 1940 whom they both adored. Melba also worked as a bookkeeper at American Seating Company throughout her entire career.

There were many interests that Melba enjoyed when she could. She was an avid golfer and was a lifetime member of the Highlands Country Club. Melba also liked to play Bridge and was a member of many Bridge clubs. She liked reading, doing crossword puzzles, and traveling with her husband. In fact, she and George were quite free-spirited and traveled extensively throughout Michigan and other states too. After retirement, they traveled to warmer climates during the winters, oftentimes to St. Petersburg, Florida. Melba also loved animals and always had a pet cat.

In many ways, Melba was unique and will forever be treasured. She was a longtime member of Park Congregational Church where she was an active member. She also could eat ice cream at any time and for any reason, often requesting it before the meal was finished. Melba was also a bit of an “experimental” chef whose family members enjoyed being the guinea pigs for her creations.

There were a few times in her life that were a bit challenging for Melba. Just after she and George moved into a home on Rolling Green, her beloved George died leaving her alone. Melba again faced a time of trial with the death of her son Gregg in 2007. She also battled with Alzheimer’s disease during the later years of her life.

Melba Van Ess truly adored her family and was very close with her grandchildren and her only great-grandson. She loved being active in their lives, and they enjoyed her company too. Melba was a rare treasure who will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Melba Mary Van Ess died on Sunday, September 27, 2009. Melba’s family includes her daughter-in-law Carole Van Ess, her grandchildren: James Van Ess, Kimberley ( Jeff) Conaty, Brandon Van Ess and his girlfriend Terri DeComer, her great-grandson Tyler Conaty, her niece Mary (Roger) Meyerink, her nephew Terry (Lynn) McHoskey, many great nieces and nephews, her dear friends Lorraine and Chuck Jason, and Dee Conaty, and her constant companion Mya. She was preceded in death by her husband George Van Ess and her son Gregg Van Ess. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com where you can leave a favorite memory, sign the online guestbook, or make a memorial contribution to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, 2944 Fuller Ave. N.E. Suite 101 Grand Rapids, MI 49505, or Hospice of Michigan, 989 Spaulding SE, Ada, MI 49301.