Obituary of Melvina Eldora Speck

Melvina ("Mel") E Speck 86, passed away peacefully at her home in Tucson AZ on 1/15/22.

Born 2/27/35 to Fay & Frank Hufstedler in Montawk Missouri. She was the 3rd youngest of 11 children. She graduated from Edwarsville, IL Highschool in 1952. She married Benjamin F Speck in 1956 - They lived in Bloomington IL at first and then later built their home In Peoria IL where they lived until 1990. 

Mel graduated from Illinois State University in 1957 with a BS in Elementary Education and in 1969 with a MS in Education. She worked for The Peoria Public School District #150 for 32 years retiring in 1990 (at age 55). Her joy was teaching children to love reading. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Peoria Illinois.

In 1990 they moved to sunny and warm Tucson AZ to enjoy retirement life. They enjoyed the desert landscape especially at Tohono Chul Park and Sabino Canyon. In 1998 Benjamin passed away.

Mel enjoyed many hobbies during her retirement - including hiking, water aerobics, playing cards, reading, tennis, quilting, and traveling all over the world. She served on the HOA Board at La Cholla Hills for 5 years and was a member of St Mark's Methodist Church. She volunteered her time helping elderly residents in her neighborhood get to appointments, assiting them with various errands, and offering them companionship. She was a loyal & generous daughter, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend. 

Mel was predeceased by her parents, her husband Ben, and 9 of her siblings. She is survived by her only child Teresa Speck Gadberry (Greg) Cranberry Twp PA, her grandchildren Brett A Gadberry (Santa Monica CA) and Bridget M Gadberry (Pittsburgh PA) and her sister Geraldine Castro (Guam).

Mel's family would like to thank "Right At Home Care" for allowing her to remain in the home that she loved until she passed. A private memorial service will be held at a later date for immediate family only.