Bernice Melcher

Bernice Melcher, 92, passed away peacefully Sept. 3, 2024, at her home in Odessa, Wash. She was born Feb. 15, 1932, to John and Matilda (Tillie Frieske) Lobe in Odessa.   

She married Kenneth Melcher on Aug. 21, 1949, and they celebrated 65 years together.   

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, husband Ken (2015), brothers Leonard, Harold and Clinton Lobe; sisters Alma Lobe and Doris Melcher; and half-brother Steve Lobe.  

Bernice is survived by her children, Wes (Vickey) Melcher and Nancy (Karl) Zacher; seven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker who will be greatly missed.   

Bernice was a member of Zion-Emmanuel Lutheran Church where she served in various capacities over the years, which included working in the office and kitchen, LWML treasurer, manning the Deutsches Fest booth and sewing more quilt tops than anyone can recall.   

She liked watching the Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Mariners, and Gonzaga basketball games when she wasn’t solving puzzle books. She enjoyed cooking, canning and country music; however, her favorite job was driving truck during wheat harvest for 45+ years which she still missed until her last days. Her second favorite job was being on call 24/7 to help move farm machinery or serve food to grandkids, even at 2 a.m. 

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Zion-Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 4279 State Route 21 N., Odessa, Wash. Pastor Pierce Chadburn will be officiating.  

Contributions may be made to Zion-Emmanuel Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice. In honor of Bernice and in lieu of flowers, please do not vote for Kamala! It’s a win-win; save money and save the country.  

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at https://bit.ly/BMELCHER for the Melcher family. Strate Funeral Homes, Davenport, Wash., is caring for the family.