Virginia Garfield Melton, born on Dec. 25, 1926 in Albion, MI, passed away at her home while surrounded by her loving family on Dec. 31, 2016 at the age of 90. She is survived by her husband of 68 years, John E. (Jack) Melton and her five children Stephen F. (Sandy) Melton, John E. (Laura) Melton, Jr., Rebecca M. Worrell, Mark G. (Doris) Melton, Joe P. (Beth) Melton, her sister Marian Garfield Klein Wattles, 14 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, Stephen and Fannie (Adkisson) Garfield, and her brother, Stephen M. Garfield. Virginia lived in Detroit, MI until the age of 15, when her parents purchased a dairy farm and moved to Parma, MI. She graduated Valedictorian of her high school class and at the invitation of her Aunt Mary Raymond, moved to Lakeland, FL to attend Florida Southern. Following graduation, she married Jack and together they settled between Brooksville and Dade City, where they began their agrarian life and built their farming business of cattle, seed harvesting, and citrus. Throughout her years, Virginia was the ultimate hostess, making all who crossed the threshold of her house feel at home. Few visitors left without a meal, a satisfying conversation or something to take home. She will be remembered for her sincerity, integrity, steadfastness, humility, love of nature and unconditional love. Visitation will be on Thursday, January 5, from 5-7 p.m., followed by a memorial service at Hodges Family Funeral Home located at 11441 Hwy 301, Dade City, FL. There will be a private internment. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HPH Hospice Foundation, Donation Dept, 12107 Majestic Blvd, Hudson, FL 34667. Visitation

Hodges Family Funeral Home & Cremation Center

Thursday, January 5, 2017 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM 11441 US HIGHWAY 301 Dade City, Florida 33525 Directions Celebration of Life Service

Hodges Family Funeral Home & Cremation Center

Thursday, January 5, 2017 7:00 PM 11441 US HIGHWAY 301 Dade City, Florida 33525 Directions