Melva "Mel" A. Horton

Melva "Mel" A. Horton, 89, of Bella Vista, Ark., died March 1, 2017. She was born Aug. 18, 1927 in Wadena County, Minn., to Nels and Helmi Pulju. Mel worked for American Airlines and TWA as a teletype operator. She lived in Queens, N.Y., Phoenix, Memphis, and Chicago where she met her loving husband and best friend, Clifford "Cliff" Horton, of 64 years. They lived in Cary, Ill., for forty years before moving to Bella Vista in 1999. Mel was an avid gardener who believed "my garden is my earthly paradise". A dear friend lovingly referred to her as the "General" or as the "Finns" would say, she has sisu. Preceded in death by her husband. Left to cherish her memories are her children, Jeff Horton of Coravillis, Oregon and Jennifer Horton of Chicago, Ill.; sister, Millie Hendrickson of Menahga, Minn., and granddaughter, Cheryl Horton of Coravillis, Ore. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, 5434 Walsh Lane, Rogers, Ark. 72758. Arrangements are under the direction of Bella Vista Funeral Home & Crematory. On-line condolences may be made at www.funeralmation.com.