Melba Jeane (Ried) Cook

Melba Jeane (Ried) Cook, 92, of Humboldt was born in Omaha, Nebraska on April 9, 1930 to Raymond R. and Lela L. (Behrends) Ried. She had one younger brother, Ray Jr. Melba attended Rosehill Grade School and Benson High School in Omaha and graduated with honors in the class of 1948. After graduation she worked for attorneys in Omaha. On April 23, 1950, Melba was united in marriage to Joseph Frederick Cook. One daughter, Sherri, was born to this union.

Joe and Melba made their first home on Joe’s grandfather’s farm in rural Dow City, Iowa until Joe was drafted into the Army in the winter of 1952. Melba worked for attorneys in Baltimore, Maryland, where Joe was stationed, until he was discharged in March of 1954. The couple then moved to a farm northwest of Humboldt where they resided and farmed for over 67 years. Besides helping Joe on the farm, Melba began working as a teller at Home State Bank & Trust Company in the fall of 1958. At the same time, she began work as a legal secretary and tax preparer for the local law office. Throughout the years in her banking career, she was promoted to various positions including head cashier, bank auditor, Vice President and Trust Officer and served on the Board of Directors. She retired from the bank in 1995 after 37 years of employment. She continued seasonally preparing income tax returns for another 25 years.

Melba was a member of the Restoration Church of Jesus Christ where she was an active member. She shared her talent of playing piano and served as church secretary of the Falls City branch for many years. Melba enjoyed the bounty of her flowers, garden, and fruit trees. She loved springtime and the return of hummingbirds and bluebirds. Melba enjoyed baking, and was known for sharing cookies and candy with co-workers, family and friends. She supported the local golf course and volunteered her time working in the clubhouse. Melba enjoyed playing golf on lady’s night, golfing with Joe and was an avid Cornhusker sports fan, following football and volleyball.

Melba was very devoted, hardworking and loved spending time with family and friends. She was generous and mindful of the little details that made each person in her family feel loved and special. She was a loving wife, mother, grandma, and great grandma whose presence will be greatly missed.

Melba passed away on Friday, February 10, 2023, at the Colonial Acres Nursing Home in Humboldt, Nebraska having reached the earthly age of 92 years, 10 months and 1 day.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Joseph Cook, and a brother Raymond Ried, Jr. 

Melba is survived by her loving daughter, Sherri Thames and husband Charlie of Humboldt, NE; grandchildren: Daniel Thames and wife Amanda of Rapid City, SD; Laura Packett and husband Justin of Table Rock, NE; three great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 25, 2023, at the Christian Church in Humboldt, Nebraska with Pastor Howard Blecha officiating.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Friday, February 24, 2023, at the Wherry Mortuary, 207 N. Nemaha street in Humboldt.

Interment will immediately follow service at the Humboldt Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the family with a later designation.

Condolences may be shared online at www.wherrymortuary.com

Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary-207 N. Nemaha Street-Humboldt, Nebraska 68376 (402) 862-2915

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