A longtime Starke County Extension Home Economist is the winner of the 2015 Henry F. Schricker Award. Named for the former governor and Starke County native, the award is given annually to a resident who embodies Shricker’s credo of service before self. This year’s committee, comprised of Starke County Chamber of Commerce representatives and former Schricker Award winners, selected Melba Shilling as the honoree.
She was born in Ridgeville, Ind. and graduated from Jefferson High School and Purdue University. Melba married her husband, Jim, on April 1, 1956. They have two children, Bradford and Brenda, and two grandchildren, Kaylee and Carson Krom.
Melba was an Extension Home Economist in Starke County in the 1950s, 60s and 70s. She was honored by the Indiana Home Economics Association for outstanding contributions in her career field, and is listed in Who’s Who of American Women and Community Leaders of America. She is also a member of many organizations.
Melba and Jim were notified of the selection in early October. Both expressed humble gratification at the committee’s selection. Due to Jim’s death on Oct. 17th, the award presentation and celebration of Melba Shilling’s life will take place in the spring.
