Melba Gene Roepke

Melba Gene (Machu) Roepke, age 84, of Taylor, passed away on Friday evening, March 15 ^th , 2019, surrounded by her beloved husband and loving family.

Melba was born in Coupland, Texas, to Edward Rudolph and Winnie (Klima) Machu on September 25 ^th , 1934, who preceded her in death.  Also, preceding her are brother and wife Eugene and Effie Machu; sister, Mildred “Millie” O’Brien; mother and father-in-law Leo William and Ida (Fuessel) Roepke; nephew, Brian Roepke, along with numerous aunts, uncles and relatives.

Melba was a lifelong resident of Taylor and member of the Taylor Brethren Church, where she taught Sunday school and sang in the church choir.  She also sang in the Taylor Czech Chorus.  She was a 1953 graduate of Taylor High School, where she was a member of the “Green Jackets”.  Upon graduation she worked many years as a lab tech for Drs. A.M. House, Jr. and Sr. and later for Dr. J.G. Kubala and Dr. Ben Kubala, Optometrist.  She also worked many years for Dress for Less.  She married Gene Leon Roepke on July 7, 1985.

First and foremost, Melba was a devout Christian, accepting Jesus as her Lord and Savior at an early age.  She was a kind and compassionate soul, a care giver helping to care for older relatives during her life time.  She was proud of her Czech heritage where she was able to both read and write the Czech language.  She loved music, dancing, working outdoors, visiting with friends and all her “little” family members.  She especially loved going to the car races and watching Gene work on and restore classic cars.  Melba will be missed by many!

Melba is survived by her loving husband, Gene Leon Roepke.  Also, surviving are brothers and wives, Johnnie and Aileene Machu, and Howard and Bonnie Machu; sister, Lorene Machu; brother-in-laws, Lloyd O’Brien and Jimmy and Cindy Roepke.  She is also survived by nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews and their families which she dearly loved; and a host of extended family and friends.

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 21 ^st , 2019 from 6-8 p.m. at Providence Funeral Home in Taylor, Texas.  Celebration of Melba’s life will be held on Friday, March 22 ^nd , 2019 at 10 a.m. at the Taylor Brethren Church.  She will be laid to rest at the Taylor City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Taylor Brethren Church or a charity of your choice.