Melva Denise (Loar) Roush

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Melva Denise Roush who left this world on June 19, 2026. While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing that her legacy of love, kindness, and compassion will continue to live on through the countless lives she touched.

Born on December 17, 1963, in Oahu, Hawaii, Melva was the beloved daughter of Albert and Alberta Loar. She spent her formative years building the values that would define her life—kindness, generosity, resilience, and a deep love for others. She graduated from Roosevelt-Wilson High School in 1982, beginning a journey that would ultimately lead her to touch numerous lives as an educator, wife, daughter, mother, Nana, and friend.

Teaching was more than a career to her—it was a calling. She was known by her students, colleagues, and friends for her patience, spirit, and unwavering belief in others. She had a unique gift for making people feel seen, loved, and capable; her classroom was a place where kindness was taught, and love was shown just as often as any lesson from a book.

Anyone who knew Melva knew she was never at a loss for words. Beneath her loving heart was a quick tongue, a sharp sense of humor, and a fighting spirit that carried her through life’s challenges. She spoke her mind, stood her ground, and wasn’t afraid to tell it like it was. Sometimes you loved it, sometimes you hated it—but in the end, we all knew it was one of the many things that made her uniquely herself.

That same tenacity and grit became one of her greatest lessons to those around her. She encouraged others to find their voice, stand tall, and never be afraid to speak up for what they believed in. She taught that kindness and strength are not opposites—they belong together. Through her example, she showed that it was possible to be compassionate while remaining courageous, and loving while standing firm in your convictions. Her confidence inspired others to be brave, and her belief in them often gave them the courage to believe in themselves.

She had a deep love for animals and shared a special connection with them throughout her life. Many will remember the famous photograph of her hand-feeding a bear—a moment that perfectly captured her fearless compassion and gentleness that seemed to draw both people and animals to her.

She also found joy in crafting, creating thoughtful handmade treasures, and baking for those she loved. The gifts she made and the treats she shared were just a few of the many ways she expressed her love.

Above all else, Melva cherished her family. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, caring daughter, and proud Nana whose love knew no bounds. The lessons she taught, the memories she created, and the love she gave so freely will remain with us always.

She is survived by her husband, Donald Roush of Oakland, Maryland; her daughter, Ashley Roush of Weslaco, Texas; her stepdaughter, Jennifer Brown and husband, Daniel, of Martinsburg, West Virginia; her stepson, Joshua Roush and wife, Chelle, of Ranson, West Virginia; her stepson, Gregory Warwick of Weirton, West Virginia, and her father Albert Loar of Clarksburg, West Virginia. She enjoyed being Nana to McKayla, Quinn, Liam, Caleb, Noah, Lilly, Emmanuel and Arielle. She also leaves behind many other cherished family members and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her mother, Alberta Loar. 

A life so full of love can never truly be lost. It lives on in the stories we tell, the lessons we carry forward, and the hearts she helped shape. We take comfort knowing that she is finally at peace, free from pain, and surrounded by the love she so generously gave throughout her life. 

In keeping with her wishes, Melva will be cremated, and no formal services are planned at this time. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages you to honor her memory by showing appreciation to a teacher during the upcoming school year—a gesture that would have meant the world to her.

Mom, we love you to the moon and back.

Online condolences and sympathy gifts may be sent to the Roush family at www.terraaltafuneralhomewv.com.  Terra Alta Funeral Home is honored to serve the Roush family.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Melva Denise (Loar) Roush, please visit our floral store.