Melva Joy Hebdon HenderliderNov. 28 1930 ~ Nov. 17 2012Melva Joy Hebdon Henderlider died Nov 17 2012, just prior to her 82nd birthday. Born Nov 28 1930 to Lulu Mae Hunt and Truman Deward Hebdon. Married Robert K Cannon, 1948, divorced; married Ray Henderlider, 1981, widowed; married Jack Reese, 1999, divorced. When Joy was a child she was told she would perform great work, that she would be wise council for her fellowman, that she would hold positions of responsibility and be recognized for her leadership. She did all that and much more. An accomplished athlete, Joy surpassed all the boys and was awarded All Around Athlete of the Year. She won several trophies state wide in both singles and doubles tennis and had nicknames like "Home Run King" and "Racehorse Hebdon" in fast pitch softball.Her varied vocations included gym teacher, nurse, and cable splicer for the phone company, but she was most proud of her civic service. With tenacious determination she spearheaded the committee to restore the ghost town of Silver Reef, UT. Joy fought for government grants and raised funds to rebuild the town, including the Wells Fargo Express building that is now an historical landmark and houses an art gallery and museum. Upon settling in Virgin, Utah she found another passion: to help her beautiful little town grow and thrive. Her commitment and sense of duty led her to run for mayor of Virgin, a position she relished and held from 1994 to 1998.Joy led an extraordinary life. She was courageous, strong, driven, compassionate, adventurous and inspiring. She was loved deeply and will be terribly missed. Preceded in death by her mother, father and beloved husband Ray who was her guardian angel in both life and death. She is survived by daughter, Kathleen Snow; two grandchildren, Brandy and Jim Snow; five siblingsFuneral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday November 23, 2012 at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd, St. George, UT. Visitations will be prior, at the mortuary, beginning at 11a.m.
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