Melville Scholz Obituary (1924

Melville 'Mel' Scholz, loving father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away on September 13, 2017 at the age of 93. Mel was born to Frank and Lettie Scholz in Grand Junction, CO on April 13, 1924. He was the third of four siblings, with his older sister Frances, older brother Merlin, and younger brother Paul. Mel was raised in Fallon, NV where he was a graduate of Churchill County High School. Like most men of his generation, Mel served in the armed forces during World War II. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was a member of The Fighting 51st while stationed in Italy. After the war, Mel returned home to Fallon where he met his wife and lifelong companion, Lyla Baxter. They were married on September 3, 1950 and were married for more than 56 years, until Lyla's passing on April 23, 2007. Mel attended Utah State University and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Technology. While finishing up at Utah State, he accepted a manager trainee position with Montgomery Ward, which brought he and Lyla to Yakima, WA in 1951. After a few years with Montgomery Ward Mel went to work as a life underwriter with Prudential Insurance Company, where he received many accolades and sales awards. He was recognized for his sales record with the company's Millionaire Mark Life Insurance Award. He was with Prudential for 33 years when he retired. Once retired, Mel relished his role as full time grandfather, taking his grandchildren on skiing excursions to White Pass. He also was a frequent attendee at both his children's and grandchildren's athletic and artistic events. Mel was a very active member with First Church of Christ, Scientist in Yakima for over 60 years. He served as First Reader many times as well as being a board member. Mel also was a very active tennis player, playing tennis into his early 80's. He was a frequent visitor to the Harman Senior Center, playing many games of table tennis. Mel is survived by his son, Kim (Dianna) Scholz of La Quinta, CA, son, Steven Scholz of North Hollywood, CA, daughter, Lisa Baldoz of Yakima, WA, grandson, Tyson (Jana) Whitfield of Yakima, WA, granddaughter, Kimberly (Ted) Burrell of Escondido, CA, and his two great grandchildren, Taytum and Jrayden Whitfield. He is also survived by his close friend and companion, Jean Hopkinson. Mel was loved very much by his family and will be sorely missed. In honor of Mel, a Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 22, 2017 at 2:00 pm in the Meyer Auditorium at Living Care Retirement Community, (215 N. 40th Ave, Yakima, WA 98908), with a reception to follow. SERVICES Funeral service Friday, September 22, 2017 2:00 PM Meyer Auditorium 3801 Summitview Ave Yakima, WA 98902