Melba Ida Nipper

Mrs. Melba Ida Nipper of Belgrade was born on August 24, 1935 in Frank Clay, a daughter of the late Otto Frederick Forrester and Gladys Ida (Mayberry) Forrester. Melba went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, October 24, 2022 at the age of 87.

On July 8, 1966, Melba was united in marriage to James R. Nipper and they shared 56 years of life and love together.

Melba worked at Trimfoot Shoe Factory in Potosi for about 25 years. After marriage, Melba went to work for the Belgrade School in the cafeteria as a cook where she retired from after serving about 22 years. Melba enjoyed all of her years serving and caring for the students.

Melba enjoyed crocheting, crossword puzzles, served for many years as the president of the Women’s Christian Service Council for Missouri, loved fishing trips with Jim, camping, and most of all loved her family. Melba always looked forward to spending time with her grandchildren.

Those who remain to treasure her memory include her beloved husband, James R. Nipper; five children, Davy Skaggs (wife, Carol), Richard Skaggs (wife, Connie), Vickie Piercy (husband, Richard), Eddie Nipper (wife, Melinda), Elsie Nipper; eight grandchildren, Shawn (Giles) King, James Skaggs, Kerry (Kristen) Klein, Richard Jr. (Kimberly) Skaggs, Christopher (Sarah) Skaggs, Sabreena Clewett (husband, Taz), Eddie Nipper Jr., Christina, Amber, James, Wesley, Ann, Joseph and Summer Nipper; a host of great and great great grandchildren; Melba also leaves behind many dear brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and extended family.

In addition to her grandparents, Melba was preceded in death by her parents, Otto & Gladys Forrester; granddaughter, Amanda Rose Nipper; and three brothers: Patrick Forrester, Fred Forrester, Donald Forrester.

Visitation was held on Thursday, October 27th from 5 to 8 P.M. and resumed on Friday, October 28th from 10 to 11 A.M. at DeClue Funeral Home.

A funeral service was held Friday at 11 A.M. in the DeClue Chapel. Sister Jenny Nettles officiated the service. Interment and final prayers was held at Caledonia Methodist Cemetery. DeClue Funeral Home was honored to have ministered and served the family of Melba.