Melba Ruth Young

Melba Ruth (Penberthy) Young, 92, of Farmington, passed away peacefully on March 18, 2026, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. She was born to the late Taylor Penberthy and Alice (King) Penberthy.

On June 5, 1948, she married the love of her life, Hiram "Buster" Young. Together, they built a life and a legacy in Farmington, where they operated Buster’s Service Center on Karsch Boulevard for many years, serving the community with dedication.

Melba was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother whose greatest joy was her family. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Hiram “Buster” Young; son, Russell Young; daughter, Vicky Godwin; granddaughter, Jayme (Spicer) Jones; and three brothers, Donald, Harvey, and Delmer Penberthy.

She is survived by her loving children: three sons, Ronnie (Fran) Young, Rodney (Kelly) Young, and Adam (Gina) Young; two daughters, Brenda (David) Ladd, and Deanne (Gary) Files; son-in-law, Keith Godwin; daughter-in-law, Barbara Young; 11 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren, all of whom will cherish her memory.

Surrounded by the love of family and friends, Melba was laid to rest at Three Rivers Cemetery in Farmington on March 24, 2026.