Melba Jean Cookston

 Melba Jean (Ramsey) Cookston, age 86, of St. Louis, Missouri, died on December 5, 2024, at Laclede Groves Care Center in Webster Groves, Missouri. She was born on March 20, 1938, at home in Perry County, Missouri, the daughter of Earl W. and Gertrude (Clifton) Ramsey. She married William Gentry Cookston on October 14, 1989. She was preceded in death by her husband and parents. She is survived by a stepdaughter, Carolyn Burton, from Gardendale, Texas. She will be missed by many close friends.

 Melba graduated from Harris Teachers’ College and earned a master’s degree at Washington University, both in St. Louis. She taught in St. Louis public schools for eight years and Affton schools for five years. She then worked as a programmer analyst at Missouri Pacific Railroad, Magna Bank, and A.G. Edwards. Melba was a member of the National Association of Railroad Business Women. She was a member of Concord Trinity United Methodist Church in St. Louis.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Concord Trinity United Methodist Church, 5275 S. Lindbergh Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63126, or the Glaucoma Research Foundation.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, at John L. Ziegenhein and Sons South County Chapel at 4830 Lemay Ferry Rd in St. Louis, MO. Visitation will be at 1:00 pm and memorial service at 2:00 pm. Graveside service will be held on Wednesday, December 11 at 11 am at York Chapel Cemetery at 5455 South Highway 61, Perryville, Missouri.