Melba Jeanne Tuck (Bell)

Melba “Jeanne” Bell Tuck was born January 18, 1931 in Hot Springs, Arkansas and entered into rest on
June 9, 2020 in El Cajon, California after a brief time in the hospital.
Jeanne, as she preferred to be called, moved from Arkansas to Phoenix, AZ with her parents, Dorothy
and Vernon Bell, when she was very young. She spent the rest of her formative years in Phoenix and
during that time, she was “California Dreaming”. It was Jeanne’s dream to live in California, preferably
Las Angeles. She and her first husband, Glen Kickle had moved to Denver, Colorado when Glen was
offered a job in San Diego, so off they went, out of the cold into sunny Southern California. She was
living her dream and was soon employed by San Diego Trust and Savings. Her first marriage ended in
divorce, but Glen remained a lifelong friend.
As Jeanne settled into single life she remained employed at the bank. She never knew a stranger and
made lots of friends in San Diego flashing her beautiful smile and lovely blonde hair she soon got the
attention of a handsome officer in the bank, Roger Tuck. Jeanne and Roger married May 7, 1961 an lived
a wonderful life together for 53 years. Together they enjoyed car trips, cruises, and vacations around
the world. They loved entertaining in their home and often hosted big family get togethers. They never
had children, but Jeanne became a surrogate mother to her siblings and then nieces and nephews and
numerous cousins. She was genuinely loved and respected by all.
When Jeanne retired from the bank, she kept herself busy volunteering with the Angels of Aseltine to
benefit the Aseltine School of San Diego. She also enjoyed her association with the former employees of
San Diego Trust and Savings.
Jeanne is preceded in death by her loving husband, Roger; parents Vernon Bell and Dorothy Slack;
stepfather, Dick Slack; brothers, Sonny Bell, Earl Bell, and Larry Bell; brother-in-law, Richard Poole;
stepsister Patty. She is survived by her sister, Rita Poole; sisters-in-law, Peggy Bell, and Pat Swett; and
innumerable nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her childhood friend of 80 plus years, Cherry
Dimeff.
Visitation for the public will be on June 19, 2020 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Featheringill Mortuary 6322 El
Cajon Blvd, El Cajon, CA. Due to restrictions caused by the coronavirus, funeral service will be by
invitation only at 1:00 p.m. at Featheringill Morturary. Interment will be open subject to social
distancing at 2:30 p.m. Glen Abby Memorial Park 3838 Bonita Rd., Bonita, CA.
In lieu of flowers the family is suggesting a donation to Aseltine School, 4027 Normal St., San Diego, CA
92103.