ST. LOUIS — MeLena Zerlinda Broglin, 31, of St. Louis died Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009, in St. Louis.

She was born Aug. 26, 1977, in Hayti, Mo., daughter of Beverly Jean Shankle Halford and David Hale of Cape Girardeau.

MeLena loved working with people. She had a gift of being able to talk to and relate to people and as a result was a top salesperson two years in a row.

Also surviving are two daughters, Lara Meyers and Jayma Zerbe of Cape Girardeau; grandmother, Connie Shankle of Portageville, Mo.; a sister, Paige Halford of Cape Girardeau; a nephew, Domanik Kinnison of Cape Girardeau; a niece, Aubrie Erlbacher of Cape Girardeau; two aunts, Tanya (Buddy) Brasher and Paula Morlan of Portageville; many great-aunts and uncles, cousins and other family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Paul "Pops" Shankle.

Friends may call from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. today at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. today at the funeral home, with the Rev. Jeremy Clayton officiating. Burial will be in Cape County Memorial Park.