MELBA NICHOLSON, 86, of Red Bud, Illinois, passed away at 4:43 pm, Sunday, March 18, 2012 at her home surrounded by her family. Melba was born in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois on November 16, 1925 to Charles and Pearl (nee Longlois) DuFrenne. She married Vernon J. Nicholson on February 27, 1943 in St. Louis, Missouri; he preceded her in death on January 26, 2006. Melba was the "other half" of Nicholson TV in Ames for over 40 years. She was a member of St. Peter's United Church of Christ in Red Bud; where she and her husband were youth fellowship advisors for many years. She was a past Worthy Matron of the Easter Star. She enjoyed bingo and playing cards with her husband for decades then with close friends since his passing. She was the one on the back seat of the motorcycle as they toured much of the United States with dear friends. She never met a child she couldn't love and never saw a baby she didn't want to hold. Her grandsons and great-grandchildren were her life. Life was not always kind, but she met her challenges head-on. Surviving are her daughters: Nadine (Alfred) Keckritz of Red Bud; and Sharon Behnken of Ames and her family: Shawn (Stephanie) of Ames and their children Michael and Amanda; Joel of Ames; Nick of Waterloo; Jayson of Waterloo and Christopher (Jennifer) of Cape Girardeau, MO. Also surviving are two sisters Wanda Gash and Judy Cunningham; many nieces, nephews and countless lifelong friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Vernon, her daughter Joyce Annette, her son Vernon Jr., and her son-in-law Wayne Behnken. Also preceding her in death were four sisters: Emma Schmidt, Evelyn Nicholson, Alma Swarts and Iva Gash and one brother Charles DuFrenne. Funeral Service: 11:00 am, Saturday, March 24, 2012 St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Red Bud, Illinois Officiating: Rev. William Graves Interment: St. Marcus Cemetery Red Bud, Illinois Visitation: Saturday - 9:00 am - 11:00 am St. Peter's United Church of Christ, Red Bud, Illinois Memorials: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital American Kidney Foundation Shriners Hospitals for Children
