Melba Lucille Riddle Burnette Banks

Melba Lucille Riddle Burnette Banks, 85, of Ridgecrest, passed away on March 11, 2026. Born on May 18, 1940, in Asheville, North Carolina, to Jeter Hezekiah and Rhoda Annie White Riddle, Melba lived a life defined by quiet strength, faithful service, and deep compassion for others.

She began her career in 1965 as secretary at Christmount Christian Assembly in Black Mountain, North Carolina, when the office was first established. Over the next 29 years, she advanced to Assembly Coordinator and then Executive Director, retiring in 1994. A pioneering woman in leadership, Melba provided first jobs to many and proved to be a supportive and capable boss. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Mars Hill College, a Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Seminary, and was ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in 1988. She later completed her Doctor of Ministry in pastoral counseling from Lexington Theological Seminary.

Melba’s commitment to service extended far beyond Christmount. She served as a volunteer chaplain at the Black Mountain Correctional Center for Women and was instrumental in creating a full-time paid chaplain position, helping to establish what is now known as Ministry of Hope. She later served as coordinator of chaplains at the Asheville VA Medical Center, where she was named Chaplain of the Year in 1998 for the entire U.S. Veterans Health Administration. Throughout her life, she championed the underdog, creating an afterschool program for children, visiting senior centers, supporting at-risk youth and forgotten seniors, and volunteering as a chaplain at local hospitals. A gifted musician, she shared her talents generously through singing groups, organ and piano playing, handbell directing, and organizing talent shows at several area churches.

Melba is survived by her husband, Ralph J. Banks; her son, Daniel Burnette; and her sister, Barbara Jean Riddle. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Margaret Dawn Burnette.