Melba E. Shank, 100, of Waterloo, died Friday, April 14, 2017 in Indianola under hospice care.

Melba Etta Lillian was born June 8, 1916 in Hawkeye, the daughter of Edwin and Stella Hyman Granneman. She graduated from Hawkeye High School in 1933 and received her 2 year teaching degree from Upper Iowa University, Fayette in 1935 and her Bachelor of Arts in 1962 from Upper Iowa.

She married Edwin E. Shank April 26, 1941 in Sumner, by his father Rev. M.E. Shank. Edwin died December 22, 2003. She taught country school for 4 years in Rural Bethel #9, Dinsdale, Hawkeye, Shell Rock, and Maynard. She taught 3rd grade in Dunkerton for 25 years.

Melba was a member of Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Waterloo where for over 50 years she taught Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, Bible Studies, and served on the Church board. She was a member of Ruth Circle, Key Club, Chancel Choir, Bell Choir, Children’s Rainbow Choir, and Wednesday Noon Brown Baggers Bible Study. She was Past President of PEO Chapter FE; a member of Waterloo Women’s Club, and Friday Study Club. She was a member of Black Hawk County Retired School personnel, a board member of Friends of Snowden House, and W.W.C. Book Club. She volunteered playing the piano at Newell Post, Lakeview Landing, Rosewood Estate, and Friendship Village.

She is survived by her daughter, Paula (Stanley) Tann of Indianola; 2 granddaughters: Teri Kobussen of Indianola and Traci (Todd) Scheumann of Stilwell, KS; and 6 great grandchildren: Piet, Erik, Cade, and Stihl Kobussen and Trevor and Allayna Scheumann. She is also survived by a half sister, Sharon Granneman of Indianola.

Melba is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and a sister, Micky McKamey.