OXFORD – Melanie Ida Wilbur, 48, of Oxford, took her last breath on Thursday, Oct. 16, at their home while in her husband’s arms after a brief battle with cancer.

She was born May 7, 1960, to Chester and Ellen (Brackett) Barker.

She grew up in Bolsters Mills and attended Oxford Hills High School, graduating in 1978. Melanie enjoyed spending time with her family and also the holidays. She loved the ocean and vacations she took to the Caribbean.

She married David Wilbur on June 30, 1983 at her parents’ home in Bolsters Mills. They just celebrated their 25th anniversary this past June.

Melanie is survived by her husband, David; a daughter, Jessica Guilford; a son, Zachariah Guilford; grandchildren, Brian and Alecia Dodd, and Abbie and Kahdian Guilford; her father, Chester Barker; father- and mother-in-law, John and Judy Wilbur; brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Pat Barker; and nephews, Danny Brett and Matt Barker.

She was predeceased by her mother, Ellen Barker; her grandparents; and a brother, Gene Barker.

The Dance, by Garth Brooks

Looking back on the memory of

The dance we shared ‘neath the stars alone

For a moment all the world was right

How could I have known that you’d ever say goodbye

(chorus)

And now I’m glad I didn’t know

The way it all would end the way it all would go

Our lives are better left to chance I could have missed the pain

But I’d of had to miss the dance

Holding you I held everything

For a moment wasn’t I a king

But if I’d only known how the king would fall

Hey who’s to say you know I might have chanced it all

*chorus*

Yes my life is better left to chance

I could have missed the pain but I’d of had to miss the dance