MELBA EDNA ROY (Long Heppler) passed away at St Therese Villa in Lethbridge, Alberta, on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at the age of 90 years.

Melba is survived by her daughter Debra Heppler, granddaughter Loreen (Jeremy)John, great-grandchildren Marcus Robertson, Jesse (Kayla) John and Ryan John, her sisters Evelyn Anderson, Leora (Russell) Scratch and many nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her daughters Maureen (Marnie) Heppler and Gayle Elmes (Heppler), her husband Dr. Douglas Roy, her parents Oris and Hazel Long, her brothers Vernon Long, Leland Long, Leonard Long and sister Carol McCormick.

Melba was born on February 2, 1931 in Taber and resided at the family farm in Barnwell, Alberta. Melba and her first husband Lloyd Heppler started Hepp's Auto Wreckers in 1952 and she eventually went on to own it until 2008. Her career also involved being a realtor as well as other business ventures and a property owner. She loved visiting family on the island and in California whenever she could. Mel was also a talented artist and wood carver, travelling around (sometimes with Doug on his Gold Wing), taking pictures to paint and finding pieces of wood to carve. Her works will be treasured by family and friends forever, her kindness and generosity never forgotten.

She resided at St. Therese Villa for the past six years and the family would like to thank the staff for their exceptional care. A special thanks to the recreation team who through all the activities, especially during the pandemic, kept her in touch with what she loved; her family, nature, animals and art.

A private family gathering will be held at a later date.