Born and raised on the Hamill Family farm, Edith preferred to be called by her middle name Melva. Life on the farm was fun for Melva,--at least for a while. Melva loved to feed the chickens, milk the cows, and drive the tractor. As she learned the various chores on the farm, each chore gradually became her responsibility. With each passing year, Melva fell out of love with farm life. After graduation from Mount Jackson High School in 1941, Melva and her sister Lydia moved to the big city of Warren, Ohio. Melva found employment with the Warren Telephone Company. After two years in Warren, Melva and Lydia joined friends in Los Angeles, California. The family moved to California due to health concerns of their child. Melva and Lydia found employment at Bullocks Department Store on Wilshire Boulevard. Lydia was a telephone operator and Melva authorized credit for customers. Later, Melva moved on to Allstate Insurance Company as an insurance writer. With no growth potential at Allstate, Melva sought employment with Los Angeles General Hospital. As World War II progressed, Melva and Lydia belonged to a sorority which had a standing invitation to the USO dances. Melva and Lydia fell in love with "men in uniform." Lydia introduced Melva to Ralph William Thompson, Melva's future husband. After Ralph separated from the Army Air Force, he returned to his hometown, Chicago, Illinois. Ralph continually invited Melva to Chicago. After receiving a gorgeous diamond engagement ring, Melva departed Los Angeles for Chicago. They married at the Methodist Church on 30 August 1945. Melva worked at the Ziff-Davis Publishing Company while Ralph completed his college degree at the newly opened Roosevelt College in Chicago. After graduation, Melva and Ralph moved to Dallas, Texas. Upon arrival, Melva became pregnant with their first child. Ralph gained employment with American Cyanamid. After the birth of the second child in 1955, the couple bought their first home in the suburbs of Dallas in Farmers Branch, Texas. Dallas hosted a lot of firsts for Melva. She learned to drive; she learned to swim. Melva later taught swimming for the Red Cross at the Farmers Branch pool. Melva was also an assistant leader with Girl Scouts. Getting involved with her children's activities, Melva also took Judo lessons. Melva's other activities include spinning, weaving, and ceramics. Around 1970, Melva joined the local chapter of Sweet Adelines, barbershop music. She traveled the country performing in various competitions. In 1980, Melva became active in national and local politics. She was elected as the Precinct Chairman for the Republican Party in Farmers Branch. She held that position for 18 years. Her work was recognized by President George W. Bush on Melva's 80th birthday. As Melva's children grew up and left home, Melva became interested in a new hobby-traveling. As her children became military families, Melva visited them all over the United States, Germany, and Italy. She toured most of Europe while visiting her children and grandchildren. In November 2003, Melva joined the Red Hat Society. Her chapter affiliation is with the Farmers Branch Red Hat Peppers. The "redhatters" is an international group with their primary members above the age of 50. While attending group events, the ladies sport purple dresses and red hats. In August 2005, Melva moved to San Diego, California to live with her daughter, Teresa. Just a few months after the move, Melva suffered a massive stroke. Unfortunately, she never recovered. Melva was moved to the Villa Las Palmas nursing home. On 24 October 2012, Melva passed away. She was laid to rest on 3 November 2012 with her loving husband in Dallas, Texas.