Melba Maxine Timmerberg was born on Sept. 9, 1928, in Bluffton to Robert H. and Eva E. (Ellis) David. She was the younger sister to brothers Vern and Marcellus Earl David. Melba loved to tell the story of how they had to walk five miles to get to school and would be chased by various farm animals as they walked through pastures, at times in knee-deep snow.
Melba married Purl “Wahoo” Timmerberg on Sept. 4, 1948 in Hermann. They were blessed with 63 years together. They enjoyed hunting and dancing at the Modoc.
In November 1951, the Timmerbergs became members of Bethany Baptist Church in Bluffton and followed their decision with believer’s baptism. In 1952, Melba gave birth to their first daughter, Connie, who survived only a few days.
Purl and Melba moved to Waterloo, Neb., where Purl accepted an electrical job. Melba had various jobs throughout her life as a switchboard operator, a pencil factory worker and an office worker at Boys Town. She stepped away from working outside of the home when they welcomed Debbie and Diane into the family. After the girls were older, Melba was a waitress at Miller’s Cafe and then worked in the office for Strevey and Associates, her son-in-law’s business, until she retired.
Melba spent much of her time as a caregiver. She would care for family members during illness and childbirth. She was a homemaker for her husband and girls–especially while Purl battled cancer. She would deliver a meal and share vegetables from her garden with the neighbors and was the doggie caregiver for her grand-dog, Bella.
She was a skilled quilter and pianist and was always up for a game of cards. The family took annual vacations, sometimes camping, and visited all 50 states, Mexico and Canada. At the end of each day, Melba would journal the details of their adventures. After they retired, they became snowbirds and traveled to Apache Junction, Ariz., for the winter.
Melba loved spending time with family and sitting on the patio watching the birds and other backyard critters. She was a devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother. Melba went home to be with Jesus on Feb. 27, 2023 at the age of 94 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Purl; daughter, Debra Strevey, brothers and parents. Melba is survived by her daughter, Diane (Tom) Merryweather, Valley, Neb., grandchildren, Jennifer Bruening, Fort Dodge, Iowa; Rachel (Victor) Alvarado, Lincolnwood, Ill.; Timothy Strevey (Dr. Dana Tabor), Bensalem, Pa.; David Merryweather, Valley, Neb.; great-grandchildren, Victor A. Samuel and Isaiah Alvarado; son-in-law, Richard “Rick” Strevey, Omaha, Neb.; sister-in-law, Arlene Timmerberg, Sebring, Fla., many nieces and nephews; and grand-dog, Bella.
A visitation was held at Reichmuth Funeral Homes in Elkhorn, Neb., on March 9. A celebration of life was held on March 10 at the funeral home. Interment was at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Elkhorn. Memorials suggested to Waterloo Rescue Squad.
