Melba Peeler

ANNA, Ill. -- Melba Peeler, 87, of Belleville, Ill., formerly of Cypress, Ill., and Anna, died Sunday, Aug. 28, 2005, at her home.

She was born March 18, 1918, in Cypress, daughter of Dee and Ella Evans George. She and Wayne Peeler were married Dec. 25, 1943. He died Feb. 3, 1994.

Peeler was a teacher 37 years, having taught at Cypress, Dongola and Century districts. She was a member of the United Methodist Church at Cypress, Eastern Star, Retired Teachers Association, and served on the board of the Residents Association of St. Paul's Retirement Community.

Survivors include three daughters, Kathryn McElroy, Gayle Peeler and Ellen Bergkoetter, all of Belleville; a sister, Barbara Melvin of Winter Haven, Fla.; a brother, Carl George of High Springs, Fla.; and two granddaughters.

She was preceded in death by three brothers and a sister.

Friends may call at Crain Funeral Home in Anna from 6 to 8 p.m. today.

The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Al Campbell officiating. Entombment will be in Masonic Cemetery at Cypress.