Melba Fronney Hyde Cardenas

Melba Fronney Hyde Cardenas of Bonacca, Honduras, was born on November 7, 1954, to Ella and Vibert Calvin Hyde.

Melba was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend. Among many things, Melba enjoyed traveling, dining, shopping, spa days, tending to her garden, and watching the sunrise with her husband over their morning coffee. Her presence captivated every room she entered, and her words and wisdom were never shy of passion.

It is said that as a child, Melba most enjoyed getting into mischief on her little Bay Island of Honduras. She would often share stories of those days, along with memories of the slower, simpler pace of quaint farm life. Melba was given a unique and somewhat strict upbringing, but one rooted in faith that she was thankful for, as it allowed her to instill those same lessons and values into her children, who are equally grateful.

Melba is preceded in death by her mother, Ella Hyde; her father, Vibert Hyde; her brother, Hal Hyde; her son, Robert Merritt; her mother-in-law, Cristina Cardenas; her chosen son, Michael Callinan; her chosen daughter, Madalyn Krzykwa; as well as Richard Merritt and Angel McStay.

She is survived by her husband, Abundio Cardenas; her daughters and sons-in-law, Michele and Tommy Parrish; Beau and Kim Merritt; Ashley and Brandon Naquin; Kimmie Cardenas; Wesley Lally; and Natalie and Chevis Sing; her grandchildren, Ozie Parrish; Landon (Addy Faye Parrish); Lexi (Patrick Mooney); Gavin Cardenas; Phoenyx Naquin; Abundio Joseph Callinan; Arthur Callinan; Emery Sing; and Ella Sing; her great-grandchildren, Blake

Parrish, Jeb Parrish, and Coy Parrish; and siblings, Vivalee Hyde and Van Hyde.

A Celebration of Life service for Melba will be held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Pine Grove Baptist Church in Livingston. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with the funeral service beginning at 12:00 p.m., followed by burial at St. Joseph Catholic Church Cemetery in French Settlement.