Roberta Rae (Reber-Kunkel) "Bobbi" Melcher, 58 years old of Decatur, Indiana, passed away at 1:10 a.m. on Monday, October 30, 2006 at her residence following an illness of 2 1/2 years. Bobbi was born on January 5, 1948 in Mishawaka, Indiana, the daughter of the late Robert Reber, who passed away on December 7, 1947 and Ruth (Fuelling) Reber, who survives; and adoptive father, Fred Kunkel who passed away on May 12, 2001. Bobbi was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble, where she sang in the church choir. Bobbi enjoyed working in the garden, her flowers, stain glass art and her grandchildren. Bobbi was a self-employed hairdresser for 40 years; and a bus driver for North Adams Community Schools from 1987 until her illness prevented her from driving approximately 1 month ago. She was a graduate of Monmouth High School and Warner Beauty College in 1966. Surviving are her daughter, Melissa (Rick) Helmick of Butler, Indiana, son, Matthew (Tammy) Melcher of Hoagland, Indiana, son, Jeremy (Emily) Melcher of Decatur, Indiana, twin-son, Andy Melcher of Decatur, Indiana, twin-daughter, Miranda Melcher of Decatur, Indiana, mother, Ruth Kunkel of Decatur, Indiana, sister, Karen Heckman of Decatur, Indiana, brother, Fred (Denise) Kunkel of Decatur, Indiana, sister, Emily (Ted) Porter of Decatur, Indiana, sister, Nancy (Richard) Romanow of Wayland, Massachusetts, six grandchildren: Karissa Helmick, Alec Melcher, Taylen Melcher, Jordan Melcher, Siera Helmick, and Colin Melcher. Preceding Roberta in death was one grandson, Kirk Melcher on February 26, 1993. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 2, 2006 in the St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble with Rev. Daniel J. Brege officiating. Interment will follow in the St Paul Lutheran Cemetery, Preble, Indiana. Friends will be received from 1-4 and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, November 1, 2006 in the Zwick and Jahn Funeral Home, Decatur, Indiana and one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. . Preferred memorials are to Ronald McDonald House or St. Paul Lutheran Church, Preble.
