TALLULAH, La. — Melanie Ann Mattmiller Navarro, 71, was born Oct. 18, 1942, the oldest child of the late Charles Mattmiller Sr. and Louise Black Mattmiller.

She passed from this life on Monday, March 31, 2014, at The Olive Branch Senior Care Center in Tallulah following an extended illness.

She was raised near Gillett, Ark., and graduated from Gillett High School and from UCA.  She taught in St. Charles and DeWitt, Ark., and in Lake Providence, La., and Tallulah.

Besides her parents, she was preceded her in death by four siblings; Charles Mattmiller Jr., John Mattmiller, Linda Mattmiller Carter and Tommy Mattmiller.

Melanie is survived by her loving husband, George Navarro of Tallulah; five children Chris Crafford of Tallulah, John Navarro and wife Toni of Monroe, La., Melanie McNatt and husband Rich of Rio Rancho, N.M., Elise Navarro of Oak Grove, La., and Beth Navarro of Shreveport, La.; six grandchildren, Justin Barboza, Carley, Rainey and Wyatt McNatt, Chevy Navarro and Kade Klink; seven sisters, Margaret Carlow and Freda Mattmiller both of  Gillett, Ark., Elizabeth Fouss and husband Dave of Murfreesboro, Tenn., Marvell Melnick of Beebe, Ark., Carolyn DePascale of Hasbrouck Heights, N.J., Sherry Goff and husband Al of Dayton, Texas, and Darlene Anderson and husband Dale of Medford, Wisc.; and nieces, nephews and in-laws.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. today, April 4, 2014, at the Presbyterian Church of Tallulah, 409 Cleveland St., with the Rev. Lauren Moore officiating.