Melba Louise "Nanny" Victor, 72 of Turlock, passed away after an eight-month battle with cancer, at Emanuel Medical Center, surrounded by her family. She was born in Keota, Okla. to Carl and Flora Willhite.

Melba’s family moved to California in 1946. She attended Turlock Schools and graduated from Turlock High School in 1957. She married Eddie Taylor and they had two children. She worked 15 years for Safeway Store as a meat wrapper. In 1973 she married Manuel Victor. Both Melba and Manuel were motorcycle enthusiasts. During the 1980s she owned Melba’s Fine Jewelry. More recently she was a pharmacy clerk at Bertelli’s Pharmacy in Atwater. When she was not working she spent her time on the phone counseling friends and family, giving advice, "whether we wanted it or not."

Melba played basketball in high school. She enjoyed being part of the bowling team for Safeway, and she loved to ride motorcycles.

Melba was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Flora Willhite; and her nephew, Phil Driscoll.

She is survived by children, Barbara (Dean) MacKay of Turlock and Eddie "Buddy" (Sandy) Taylor of Denair; siblings, Bobby Jean (J.V.) Driscoll of Ft. Smith, Ark., Lora Dean Griffin of Atwater, Loye Wayne (MaryAlice) Willhite of Apple Valley, Donna Sue (Gary) Hartvickson of Turlock and Nancy (Gary) Lytle of Modesto; grandchildren, Anthony Armas, Darren Armas, Eddie Taylor and Kristi Taylor; and great grandchildren, Nicole and Natalie Armas.

Visitation for Melba will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 8 at Allen Mortuary. A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 9 at Allen Mortuary, followed by burial at Winton Cemetery. Memorial contributions are encouraged for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Please leave memories and condolences at www.allenmortuary.com.