STEELEVILLE – Melba J. Ruebke, 85, passed away on Monday, August 7, 2023, at Independence Care Center in Perryville, MO.

Melba was born on September 9, 1937, the daughter of Roscow and Veda (Donjon) Benline, in Prairie DuRocher, IL. She married Edward Ruebke on February 11, 1956, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Bremen. He preceded her in death on February 3, 1996. Melba was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church, Bremen. She was an avid quilter and loved fishing, gardening, canning, and sewing. She especially loved spending time with her family.

Melba is survived by her daughters: Susan (David) Hughey of Chester, IL, Carol (Don) Hatcher of Chester, IL, Mary (David) Schroeder of Chester, IL; her grandchildren: Michael (Stacy) Hughey, Elizabeth (Garrison) Balusek, Amanda (Jace) Wilderman, Ed (Dawn) Smith, Eric Hughey, Niki Ruebke Sahey, Ross Ruebke, Kristi Perry; her great grandchildren: Madison Hughey, Adam Rogers, Alyson Rogers, Colin Hughey, Gavin Wilderman, Drew Wilderman, Michael (Madison) Wilderman, Isac Smith, Adian Rogers, Jonny Balusek, Wyatt Hughey, Austin Hughey, Landen Perry, Payten Perry, Roman Treveer, Leland Diercks, Alex Balusek, and Christian Balusek and several nieces and nephews.

Melba is also preceded in death by her parents, her son, Allen Ruebke, her grandson, Anthony Ruebke, and her brother, William Benline.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at 11:00 am, at St. John's Lutheran Church, Bremen, with Pastor Tim Heinecke officiating. Burial will follow at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Bremen. Friends may call from 9 – 11 am, Thursday, at the church. Memorials may be given to St. John's Lutheran Cemetery Fund, c/o Wilson's Funeral Home, PO Box 217, Steeleville, IL, 62288.