Melba Leistner, 80, of Lamar, passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Oakwood Health Campus in Tell City.
Melba was born on May 19, 1943, in Lamar, the daughter of Charles and Bernadine (Griepenstroh) Riggle. She was a 1961 graduate of Dale High School. Melba was united in marriage with Lawrence David Leistner on November 24, 1964. Together they shared 42 years before his passing in 2006.
She wore many hats over the years from being a caretaker to farming. Melba was a member of Mt Zion Christian Church and American Legion Auxiliary Post 242.
Melba enjoyed bird watching, playing cards, fishing, painting, gardening, cooking, shopping for jewelry, attending antique tractor shows, caring for her pets, and watching the Grand Ole Opry. She was an avid collector of salt and pepper shakers and loved getting together with friends and family for cookouts. She was especially fond of her dog Max, from whom she was inseparable.
Survivors include a brother, Donald Lee Riggle (Mary); her nieces, Christine Riggle Pyle, Abigayle Pyle and her children Case and Maelyn; nephews, Reese Riggle (Katelea), and Spencer Pyle (Abbie).
In addition to her parents, Melba was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence “Dave” Leistner and her niece Michele Riggle Etienne.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 21, at Zoercher-Gillick Funeral Home in Tell City with Elder Charles Beren officiating. Burial will take place in Mount Zion Cemetery in Santa Claus.
Visitation will be Tuesday, February 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Zoercher-Gillick Funeral Home and on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to service time at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Dementia Society of America.
Condolences may be left at zoercher-gillickfuneralhome.com.
