Elfriede Maria Melville, 69, of Resaca, passed away Tuesday, January 28, 2013 at her residence following several months of declining health. She was born in Munich, Germany on April 3, 1943, daughter of the late Siemone Fichtner and the late Ida Schnell Fichtner. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Michael Melville; and a granddaughter, Ryan Melville.

Elfriede loved the outdoors, especially fishing and gardening. She proudly became an American citizen in 1989. She was of the Church of God faith.

Survivors include three sons, Jimmy Melville of Resaca, Dennis Melville and his wife Melanie of Resaca, and Ronnie Melville of Romulus, Mich.; two daughters, Julie Tinch of Resaca, and Gayle Melville of Fla.; a daughter-in-law, Jacqueline Melville of Chatsworth; three brothers, Munford Schnell, Ernest Schnell, and Heinz Schnell, all of Germany; and grandchildren, Robert Melville, Russell Melville, and Raven Melville, all of Resaca; and Miranda Melville and Megan Melville of Chatsworth.

Funeral services to celebrate the life of Elfriede Maria Melville will be held Friday, February 1 at 3 p.m. from the chapel of Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home, with Pastor Norris Sexton and family members officiating. Interment will follow in the Canaanland Baptist Church Cemetery. Active pallbearers will include Jimmy Melville, Dennis Melville, Robert Melville, Russell Melville, Melvin Burchett, Jr., Charlie Glaze, and Larry Stegall. Honorary pallbearers are Jim Stevens, Howard Stanford, and Kenneth Bowers.

The Melville family received friends at Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home Thursday from 4-9 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society, 200 W. Emory St, Ste. 3, Dalton, GA 30720.

Online condolences may be expressed and the guest book signed at www.maxbrannonandsons.com. Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home, a legacy of compassion and care, is in charge of funeral arrangements.