Melba Graue (Schnarre) Hauser

Melba Graue Hauser, 101, of Big Spring, Missouri, passed away Saturday, September 20 at River Valley Place, Fort Madison, Iowa.

Melba was born in rural Big Spring, Missouri on May 6, 1924, the daughter of the late Lewis & Margarethe (Graue) Schnarre and bride of the late Frank "June" Hauser Jr. 

She grew up with her six siblings on the banks of Bear Creek. She went to high school in High Hill and Jonesburg, and Sanford Brown Business College. She worked in the offices of International Shoe in St. Louis until her sweetheart June came home from the war — they were married May 31, 1947. 

The epitome of work hard and play hard, Melba and June farmed their place, raised their babes, and went out dancing with June playing in a band. They had ten golden years until June passed in a clay drilling work accident in 1958. Surrounded and supported by family and friends, she carried herself with dignity and grace. Her work ethic was unstoppable and her spirit was quick to joy — she was a constant and steady presence in the lives of all her people. 

Melba grew up at St. James Evangelical Church, belonged to St. Paul’s E&R Church in Hermann, and St. John’s United Church of Christ in High Hill and sang in the choir and made pies for events. She was also a member of the Red Hat Society. She worked as a cook at Big Spring Elementary School. She was a bookkeeper for New Florence Lumber Company, Hauser Farm Supply, and Weber Pump Service. 

Melba enjoyed bowling, dancing, traveling, playing cards, going to auctions and helping as a clerk for Bader Auctioneer Service. She was a student of crops, smart dresser, astute provider, and meticulous homemaker. She was generous with her baked goods and to lend her strong arms, yet always took time for dessert and laughter. She was a “woman of noble character”, marked by strength, wisdom, industry, devotion to her community, and delight in her family. 

Melba is survived by her daughter, Beverly Gentry & husband Gene, of Farmington, Iowa; a daughter-in-law, Wilma Hauser, of St. Charles, Missouri; by four grandchildren, Scot Gentry & wife Allison, of San Diego, California; Tara Lewis & husband Kurt, of Falls Church, Virginia; Clint Gentry & wife Lindsay, of West Des Moines, Iowa and Meghan Oetker & husband Nick, of St. Charles, Missouri; and seven great grandchildren, Jonas Gentry, Olaiya, Naomi, Matilda & Lidia Lewis and Simon & Nora Gentry.  

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, her son, Rodney Hauser, her sisters, Elsa Smith, Louisa Wehmeyer, Irma Bernat, and Wilma Schnarre and brothers, George, August, and Elmer Schnarre.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 30th from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Toedtmann & Grosse Funeral Home, Hermann, where funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m.

Burial will be at St. James Cemetery, Big Spring.  Memorial donations may be given to the cemetery.