Bentonville philanthropist Melba Shewmaker dies at 85

Melba Shewmaker, 85, matriarch of a family well-known for its philanthropy throughout the region, died at her home in Bentonville on Saturday (May 25).

According to the obituary, the family plans a private service in Bentonville.

Shewmaker and her late husband, Jack, moved to Bentonville in 1970. Jack Shewmaker, who died in November 2010, worked at Walmart Inc. from 1970 until his retirement in 1988 and sat on the company’s board of directors from 1977 to 2008. He became president and chief operating officer of the company in 1978.

In 2012, Melba Shewmaker made a transformative lead gift of $1.3 million to the NorthWest Arkansas Community College Foundation. The donation was instrumental in converting a former oncology building into a cutting-edge training facility, which provides invaluable support to those who work with abused children.

The Melba Shewmaker Southern Region National Child Protection Training Center opened in 2013 on the NWACC campus in Bentonville. The regional center is part of the National Child Protection Training Center, which aims to eradicate child abuse in the U.S. within three generations.

NWACC issued the following statement to the Northwest Arkansas Business Journal from President Dennis Rittle:

“The NWACC family is heartbroken at the passing of Melba Shewmaker. Melba and Jack were dear friends and longtime supporters of the college. They were generous philanthropists who left a lasting legacy across Northwest Arkansas and beyond. The Shewmakers’ name is found in many places on our campus, including the Melba Shewmaker National Child Protection Training Center, and we will always be proud to honor their memory. Countless students have benefited from their gifts over the years, making a profound difference in their lives and many others. We wrap the entire Shewmaker family in sincere love and appreciation.”

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville High School and Mercy Health were among the many groups that benefited from the Shewmakers’ philanthropy.  In 2010, Jack and Melba Shewmaker were jointly presented with the Lifetime Philanthropic Achievement Award by the Northwest Arkansas Association of Fundraising Professionals.

From 1977 until her death, the Shewmakers also owned and operated JAC’s Ranch, one of the largest Angus cattle operations in Northwest Arkansas.