Estelene Dale Melton, 92, of Hickory, NC, passed away on December 3, 2022.
Born at the family home in the Salem Community on November 11, 1930, she was the daughter of the late Grover Dockery Dale and Cora Elizabeth Dale. Estelene was a member of Glen Alpine United Methodist Church where she was a former trustee, past president of the UM Women’s Circle, and was a member of various other committees. She was also active in the Morganton Garden Club, AARP, served for several years as president of the Burke County Home Extension Club, and was a volunteer at the History Museum of Burke County.
A graduate of Morganton High School, she worked for 20 years as an insurance agent and later at Burke United Christian Ministries and American Red Cross. Along with her husband, she enjoyed travelling extensively in the U.S. and abroad. She was known for her hospitality, entertaining, and cooking gourmet meals for family and her many friends, keeping a beautiful flower garden and yard, and always leaving things a little cleaner than she found them. Nothing gave her greater joy than spending time at her cabin on top of Burkemont Mountain where she could look down and see all the places of her childhood.
In addition to her parents, Estelene was preceded in death by her first husband, Durward Clarke, father of her daughter; brother, Luther Dale; and sisters, Iva Dale Walker, Ruby Dale Ross, and Eloise Dale English.
She is survived by her husband of 45 years, Crawford Melton; daughter, Valerie Clarke Kuentzel (husband, Dr. Walter Kuentzel) of South Burlington, VT; four step-sons she cherished as her own, The Rev. Dr. David Melton of Lenoir, Dr. Barry Melton (wife, Erika) of Milford, CT, Craig Melton (partner, Marc Castell) of Maiden, and Phillip Melton (partner, Kevin Mann) of Charlotte; seven grandchildren; Ben Kuentzel, Elizabeth Kuentzel Helton, Elizabeth LeJeune, Christopher Melton, Mary Katherine Melton, Jonah Melton, and Anna Lee Melton; two great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m., Saturday, December 10, 2022 at Glen Alpine United Methodist Church. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. in the church. Burial will follow in Burkemont Baptist Church Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Glen Alpine United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 576, Glen Alpine, NC 28628 or Burkemont Baptist Church, 4668 Burkemont Road, Morganton, NC 28655.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Crawford, I'm sorry I couldn't be there today to give you a great big hug. Estelene was a kind person. My family and I loved her. Just wanted you to know you, David, and family are in our prayers. Please take care of yourself. I send my love and many blessings. Love, Lynda Parker Wiseman
Valerie I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. Thoughts and prayers are with your family.
I never saw her very much but I could have We will miss her love and see heaven love nephew
Dear family members of Estelene. I share in your sorrow of her passing . Estelene was a lady of such beauty, grace , kindness and warmth. I first met Estelene at Mimosa Insurance. My Dad , Paul Cash and our entire family cherished her talents and above all, her friendship . Through the years , I was always delighted to talk to her at UMC/G.A. or elsewhere. Conversations with E were a true joy to me . She always possessed such a genuine, mellow demeanor . Estelene made our world a better place . She will be missed by so many . My sympathies to each of you . Susan C. Andrea
Estelene was a very special lady that will be missed. She was beautiful in so many ways. Our Deepest Sympathy, Bob and Tammy Melton
The Heavens have received a new Angel. She was a sweet lady and was pleasant and welcoming to all she met. May her family feel the peace that she has found.