Melba Boozer

Melba (Rucker) Boozer, 91, of Abilene, passed away on September 8, 2024 in Abilene.

Visitation will be at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, September 16 at First Baptist Church.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, September 16 at First Baptist Church, with Joe Frush of First Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery. Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.

Melba was born in Elmdale, Texas to Herman Rucker and Mary (Fuller) Rucker. She was the youngest of nine children, all of whom grew up working on the Rucker's dairy farm on the south-east side of Abilene. All nine children eventually graduated from McMurry University. She received her bachelor's degree from McMurry, and a Master of Education degree in1960 from McMurry. She taught fourth grade at Bowie Elementary School, where she met Van Boozer, a widower who had a daughter attending Bowie. They were married in 1963. Later in life, she worked at Elliott-Hamil funeral home. She and Van were active in First Baptist Church for many years. They were co-directors of the Adult I Sunday School Department from 1979 to 2010. Melba also enjoyed playing in the adult handbell choir.

Melba was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and seven of her siblings: Joe H. Rucker, Alice Rucker Allen, Juanita Rucker Marshall, Ruth Rucker Hickok, Lucille Rucker Chessmore, Morris Rucker and Lloyd Rucker, and her son-in-law, Charles Winterberger.

Melba is survived by her step-daughter Marla Winterberger, her brother Harold Rucker, Marla's daughter Laura Winterberger, Laura's daughter, Imogene Winterberger-McElligott, and many nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Tom Marshall, Hal Marshall, Don Hothan, Larry McMillon, David Rucker and Jimmy Pogue.

Memorials may be given to the organization of the donor's choice.