Melba Donna Donna Eckel Weaver

Melba Donna Eckel Weaver

July 5, 1929 – July 28, 2025

Melba also known as Mitzi, affectionately known as Nanny, passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, July 28, 2025, at the age of 96. A woman of spirit, compassion, and strength, Melba lived a full life devoted to family, friendship, and service.

Born on July 5, 1929, in Camden, New Jersey, Melba spent her early years enjoying summers at the Jersey shore, surrounded by her beloved family and extended relatives- memories she would always cherish. She met the love of her life, Frederick Albert Weaver, in New Jersey. They were married on May 21, 1949. Together, they built a beautiful life and eventually settled in Lexington, Kentucky. In 1962, they bought a brand new home, a steady and loving presence for generations of family and friends, in which they remained for the rest of their days.

Melba was the heart and soul of her family. A devoted wife, loving mother, adoring grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. She was known for her warmth, wisdom, and generous spirit. She had a sharp mind and an even sharper wit. Melba also knew how to have fun. She was competitive and loved a good game-rather she was rooting for her family from the sidelines, playing cards, or placing a bet at the track or the casino. She especially loved traveling to Atlantic City and cruising the riverboat casinos, always energized by the lights, the action, and the chance to share laughter with loved ones. Her family holds those boardwalk walks and Atlantic City trips close to their hearts, filled with unforgettable moments and stories that will be shared for generations.

She had a way of making each person feel heard, valued, and deeply loved. Rather it was her heartfelt advice, her legendary Christmas gatherings, or the warm hugs that made everything feel okay, Melba brought joy and comfort to everyone around her. She was a woman of Christian faith and attended Southland Christian Church. Her faith and grace was ever-present in how she loved and lived.

Professionally, Melba worked as Hiring Manager for Turf Catering Company at Keeneland Race Course for 25 years, a perfect fit for someone who loved people and horses. After retiring, she generously gave her time for over 30 years as a volunteer and board member at Saint Joseph Hospital.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Frederick Weaver; her parents, Melba and Joseph Eckel; her brothers, Joseph (Anna) Eckel and Robert Eckel; her grandparents, Jenny and Al Patton, and Elizabeth and Frank Eckel; her grandson-in-law, Lehman Oden and her great-great-granddaughter; Kenzi Stern.

She is survived by her daughter, Donna Kidwell; granddaughters, Kimberly Wolfe (Donald) and Nicole Oden; great-grandchildren, Tori Stern (James), Kelsey Kidwell, Cody Wolfe (Kendall), Kyle Wolfe (Morgan), Kenyon Oden, and Kamryn Oden; and her great-great-grandchildren, Camden, Bodhi, Cyson, Grayson, Brady, Lainey, Karter, and Logan.

Her legacy of love, laughter, and resilience will live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her. She will never be forgotten.

We love you and we will miss you more than words can say. Rest peacefully and watch over us- Forever and always, until we meet again.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 4, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., followed by a Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m. at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home, 3421 Harrodsburg Road, Lexington, KY. A Graveside Service will follow at 3:30 p.m. at The Lexing ton Cemetery, 833 W. Main Street, Lexington, KY.