Melba Rector

(From Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home)

Melba Ann (Allison) Rector, age 90, of Springfield, Missouri passed away peacefully on August 26th, 2024. Melba was born June 30, 1934, to Truman Allison and Blanche (Daughtrey) Allison in Miller, Missouri. Melba graduated High School in Greenfield, Missouri in 1952, where she met her future husband of 58 years, James “Jim” Rector.

Melba and Jim married on August 31, 1957. They have two daughters: Ardyth Ann (Rector) Neill and Allison Jane Rector; and two grandchildren: Mason and Madison North.

Melba graduated from Burge Hospital School of Nursing in 1957, while simultaneously attending Drury College, where she graduated in 1958 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. She spent her career devoted to teaching future generations. From 1960-1965, she taught at the Burge Hospital School of Nursing. During her time at Burge Hospital School of Nursing, Melba spent time as a Medical Surgical instructor (1960-1961), and then went on to be the Assistant Director of Nursing Education for the 1962-1965 school years.

Shortly after the birth of their second child, Melba retired from nursing and devoted her time to her family. She became a Girl Scout leader and gymnastics mom. She enjoyed camping and fishing, being a member of Beau Bell’s Dance Club, and playing bridge.

Melba’s background in Nursing inspired what would become a lifelong fascination with genealogy. She would interview family members for medical and familial histories and began compiling data. From 1975-1976, Melba chaired a Bicentennial project, who enlisted the aid of Girl Scouts and Campfire Girls to encourage young people to fill out genealogy charts. She served as President of the Ozark Genealogical Society for two terms: 1981-1983 and 2003-2005 and was a lifetime member. She served as an editor for the Ozar-Kin quarterly publication from the Spring 1990 edition through the Winter 2015 edition. In 2016 she received an Award of Merit from the Missouri State Genealogical Association.

Melba was a member of the Methodist Church. She served as a Sunday School teacher in Claremore, Oklahoma (1966-1970) and then later in Springfield, Missouri. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and served as Registrar for the Rachel Donelson Chapter from 1998-2012. She was an avid contract Bridge player and achieved the designation of Silver Life Master.

Melba was preceded in death by her husband Jim; parents Truman and Blanche; brother Eugene Allison. She is survived by her daughters Ardyth and Allison; grandchildren Mason and Madison; and several nieces, nephews, and friends.

Private family graveside services will be held at Pennsboro Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Pennsboro Cemetery, OGS Library, or a charity of the donor’s choosing.