Melva Jean Lobaugh, a beloved wife, mother, and Mimi (grandmother), passed away peacefully on June 22, 2024, surrounded by her husband and three children. She was born on October 16, 1955, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to the late Melvin and late Agnes Keller.

Melva's loving spirit will forever be cherished by her husband of 46 years, Martin Lobaugh, and a pillar of strength to her children Megan (Brian Hunter) Lobaugh, Melissa (Charlie Mischell) Lobaugh, and Matthew (Cristy) Lobaugh. Her legacy lives on through her treasured grandchildren Vera Lobaugh, Theo Lobaugh, Elliott Mischell, Minerva Hunter, Rose Mischell, and Amelia Hunter.  She will be remembered by her stepson Martin (Kristy) Lobaugh and his children Ashley (Matt) Cotter and Chelsey Lobaugh, as well as her niece Erica Morgan as a special person in their lives. She was a loving sister to the late Melinda (late Eric Morgan) Keller and late Marilyn (late Michael) Bunch. Melva leaves behind many other people, as she fostered deep connections with her husband's family, her friends, and past coworkers.

Melva dedicated 30 years of her life as a registered nurse in Labor and Delivery (L&D) at University Hospital, impacting countless mothers, newborns and families with her compassionate care and dedication to her patients.  She worked nights most this time, so she could be available for her kids' activities during the day, but also because she loved the third shift atmosphere.  Her favorite stories typically included full moon nights and delivering babies in the parking lot, ER, or on other floors of the hospital when delivering mothers couldn't make it to L&D.  She'll be remembered for making baby hats, cooking pancakes and grill cheeses for the doctors and nurses working night shift, and for playing a mean game of Yahtzee to stay awake through a slow night.  While L&D was generally happy, Melva also took on the hard work of being a bereavement counselor for the families who lost their babies.  After retiring from University in 2009, Melva didn't live the retired life for long before taking a job at Good Samaritan Hospital Seton Center in 2011 doing prenatal testing.  She loved this new role in a clinic setting because she got to know her patients, seeing some of them multiple times per week for the months leading up to delivery.  This position also allowed her to continue practicing the nursing she loved part time so she could babysit her cherished grandbabies. She retired for real in 2021 and babysat her newest grandbabies on almost a full time schedule until the month before her passing.

Her nurturing personality extended beyond her profession, as she was known for her love of family and tradition. Melva's talent for creating Halloween costumes for her kids and later grandkids, a shirt for literally every occasion, and decorating her home for every holiday made celebrations truly special.

Melva enjoyed traveling and did so as often as she could. She cruised the Caribbean (several times), Alaska, and Hawaii. She traveled across the US, to Canada, Europe, and South America, creating lasting memories and unforgettable experiences with her loved ones.  Her favorite destination was Lake Cumberland, KY, where she and her husband have boated, relaxed, and watched their kids enjoy each summer since the early 1980's.

A celebration of Melva's remarkable life will be held on July 21, 2024 at 3pm at Fernbank Park, 50 Thorton Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45233.

Please consider making a donation in Melva's memory to the causes she supported: The Alzheimer's Association , 225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601 or Breakthrough T1D , 8035 Hosbrook Rd., Suite 210, Cincinnati, OH 45236.

As we find solace in the memories we shared with Melva, may her spirit continue to guide us forward, reminding us of the love, kindness, and generosity she embodied throughout her life. Though she may be physically absent, her presence will forever remain in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.