The Lord called Carmena Melvin, of Rochester, home on February 24, 2024. Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 5:00 PM on Sunday, March 03, 2024 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes, Rochester, MN. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Saint Joachims Catholic Church in Plainview MN, at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 04, 2024, with visitation at 10:00 AM.

Carmena Ella Lee was born at home in rural Kellogg to Edward and Ella (Arends) Lee on November 14, 1936. She attended country school in District 38 until third grade; ultimately graduating from Plainview High School in 1954.

Carmena married Arthur Melvin on November 26, 1955. Initially they lived in Rochester where Carmena worked as a waitress at Wade's Broiler, Michaels and Perkins.

In 1968, Carmena and Arthur moved to a farm north of Plainview. In Plainview, Carmena was active in the Highview Homemakers, 4H and the Plainview Elgin Riders Saddle Club. She served as both secretary and treasurer of the Saint Joachim's Catholic Church Ladies Council, an officer in Highland Township, and on the Wabasha County Fair Board. Carmena also obtained her Real Estate Broker's License and established Melvin Realty.

In 1995, after divorcing, she moved to Rochester. She worked at Saint Mary's Hospital in the Dietetics Department where she was given the prestigious Karis Award. After her retirement in 2010, she volunteered at Saint Mary's Hospital. Carmena was a member of Pax Christi Catholic Church where she served as an usher and at funeral luncheons. She loved to read and spend time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Carmena is survived by her daughters, Mary Melvin (Harry Menk), Plymouth, MN, Becky (Wayne) Scherbring, Mantorville, MN, Lori (Mike) Robertson, Rochester, MN: grandchildren, Dustin (Ann) Kruger, Brant (Cassie) Kruger, and Bridget Gordon, all of Kasson, MN, Joseph (Lorena) Menk, Avon, MN, Tasha Lewison, Rochester, MN, Katie (Zachary) Johnson, St. Louis Park, MN, Erik (Danielle) Lewison, Rochester, MN, and Grace (Alex) Glockner, San Francisco, CA: Great Grandchildren, Brexton, Henry, Isabella, Lucy, Sam, Aaron, Emma, Jacob, Charlie, Floyd, Maylee, and one more precious little one on the way: Sisters, Rose Ellen Lee, Sheboygan Falls, WI, Marie Goede, Plainview, MN: brother, Robert (Lisa) Lee,  Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Carmena was proceded in death by her son, James Melvin: her parents Edward and Ella Lee: three sisters, Margaret O'Neil, Carol Judge and JoAnn Beno: two infant sisters: two brothers, Martin and Morgan Lee: and one grandson in-law, Erik Gordon.