Melba Jean Boxberger, 86 of Beloit and formerly of Russell died Monday, May 02, 2011 at the Hill Top Lodge Nursing Home in Beloit.

Melba Jean was born August 17, 1924 in Hamilton, Kansas the daughter of Raymond A. and Ethel Hazel (Kern) Ott.  She grew up in Russell and graduated from Russell High school in 1942.

Melba Jean was united in marriage to Solomon Boxberger on April 25, 1950 in Kansas City, Kansas.  She and Solomon made their home in Russell.

Melba Jean was a devoted wife and homemaker.  She had lived most all her life in the Russell area until moving to Beloit in 2005.

Melba Jean was a member of the Baptist church.  She enjoyed cooking, playing cards and spending time with family and friends.

Surviving family include two sisters, Joan Ott of Springdale, Arkansas and Joyce Ott of Grove, Oklahoma; and niece, Staci Robl and husband Kent of Ellinwood, Kansas.  She was preceded in death by her husband Solomon and brother Bill Ott.

Celebration of Melba Jean’s Life will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, May 6, 2011 at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary of Russell.  Private family services will follow at the Russell City cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9 AM to 5 PM Thursday at the mortuary.  Memorials have been established with Russell County Red Cross and Russell American Legion Post 99.  Contributions and condolences may be sent in care of  Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary who is in charge of these arrangements.