Melba Hilda Perrine

Melba Hilda (Gruber) Perrine, 90, of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, died Saturday August 1, 2015 at St Mary's-Essentia Health, Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Melba was born on August 24, 1924 at home near New Athens, Illinois to Henry and Catherine (Frischkorn) Gruber. She was raised to work hard on the family farm that she grew up on. At the age of 9, she gave her heart to the Lord Jesus one Sunday morning and ever since then the Lord has used her in ministry at several churches, nursing homes, community events and the neighbors surrounding her. Melba attended Bible College in Springfield, Missouri and graduated in 1948. On April 2,1950 Melba married Ignatius (Nash) Perrine in Belleville, Illinois. They later moved to Rochert, Minnesota. In the thirty-five years of marriage they raised four children, Diana, Bonnie, Lonnie and Gina. Melba worked at a factory in Park Rapids, sewing coats. She also taught K-1st grade at Christian Fellowship School for 7 years and was a deaconess, played on the music team for many years, was head greeter and helped with the church bulletins. Melba played the piano, guitar, violin and harmonica. She loved to have someone give her motorcycle rides around the lakes area and countryside. Melba was a great cook and hostess, but most of all a wonderful, loving mother, a sweet and humble servant of the Lord, trusted friend to so many and faithful in all she did. For almost twenty-four years, Melba lived at Park Manor in Detroit Lakes and served as floor monitor, did the monthly bulletin board and was on the greeting card committee for many years. She recently moved to the Lamplighter Manor. Melba loved to sing and music was a big part of her life. She loved the Lord with all her heart and today is in heaven rejoicing with her family and friends who have gone on before her. She will always be loved, remembered, and missed by all. Melba is survived by her daughter, Diana (Dennis) Derstine of Rochert, MN; son, Lonnie (Linda) Perrine of Perham, MN; ten grandchildren, twenty great-grandchildren, one great great granddaughter. Melba was preceded in death by her parents, two daughters, Gina Perrine and Bonnie Cogger, granddaughter, Jennifer Cogger and a brother, Henry Gruber Jr.