Melba B Tucker

Born September 21, 1925 in Timber Township, Peoria County to Henry and Velda (Waughop) Zeine, she married Donald J. Tucker on June 25, 1943 in Glasford.  He died June 27, 1976.  She was also preceded in death by her parents, one sister, and two brothers.

Surviving are two daughters, Judy Heitzman of Mapleton and Janet (Glenn) Theinert of Hanna City; two sons, Henry “Butch” (Billy) Tucker and Donald “Donnie” (Sue) Tucker, both of Glasford; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters, Phyrne Howard and Shirley (Ed) Sorrentino, both of Big Fork, Minnesota; and three brothers, Merle Zeine of California, Harvey (Janice) Zeine of Glasford, and Raymond “Butch” (Judy) Zeine of Springfield, Missouri.

Melba worked as a cook for over 30 years at Wheeler School in Mapleton and Illini Bluffs School in Glasford, retiring in 1992.

She enjoyed fishing, quilting, embroidery, and gardening.  Melba liked watching NASCAR and going to motorcycle races.

Her funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 22, 2009 at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel, where visitation will be one hour before the funeral.  The Rev. James Reed will officiate.  Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Midwest Affiliate, 4722 North Sheridan Road, Peoria, IL 61614.