Melba Ruth Boysen, 96, of Murdo, South Dakota passed away on September 18, 2024 at Monument Health Home+ Home Health and Hospice, in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Melba was born November 4, 1927 in Keya Paha County, Nebraska to Henry Lumsden, Sr. and Ruth (Nolan) Lumsden. She grew up with three brothers and two sisters. Later the family moved to Hubbard, Nebraska, where she graduated from Hubbard High School in 1946. She graduated from Wayne State College in 1947. She married Arlan F. Boysen in 1948 and they moved to Murdo, South Dakota in 1950. They had two children, Jean E. (Boysen) Lanz and Raymond A. Boysen.

Arlan and Melba owned and operated the Zoart Motel in Murdo, South Dakota for 16 years. Melba was an active member of the Murdo United Methodist Church, where she taught the preschool Sunday school class and was a member of the church choir for many years. She was a member of the Book and Thimble Club, where she played a part in story hour for preschoolers.

She is survived by her son Raymond of Rapid City, South Dakota, her son-in-law Rodney Lanz of St. Francis, South Dakota, granddaughter Alecia Lanz of Valentine, Nebraska and grandson Brian Lanz of Scotland, South Dakota.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and daughter.

Funeral services will be held at the Murdo United Methodist Church on Tuesday, September 24, 2024 at 2:00PM CST. at 406 Jefferson Ave., Murdo, South Dakota 57559. Burial will follow at the Murdo Cemetery, Murdo South Dakota 57559.