Melva ‘Jean’ Tucker

Mrs. Tucker died Saturday, March 8, 2003, at Aldersgate Village after an extended illness.

She was born Jan. 12, 1925, in Smith Center, the daughter of William and Elsie Pierce. Her mother died shortly afterward, and she was adopted by John and Ada McCarty.

Mrs. Tucker graduated from Smith Center High School in 1942 and began nurse’s training at Christ Hospital School of Nursing in Topeka, during which she was a member of the Navy Nurse Corps. She later earned a bachelor’s degree in health care administration from Ottawa University. She lived in Lawrence before moving to Topeka.

Mrs. Tucker evaluated hospitals and skilled nursing homes for relicensing for the state for 10 years. She moved to the Kansas City area in 1974 to work as a special agent for the Federal Department of Investigation, evaluating claims of Medicare and Medicaid fraud. She retired in 1988 and lived in Overland Park until she returned to Topeka in 1997. She was a member of St. David’s Episcopal Church in Topeka.

She married Rex. J. Tucker in 1945. They divorced in 1970.

Survivors include a daughter, Leslie Tucker Jenison, San Antonio, Texas; four granddaughters and four great-grandchildren.

A daughter, Pricilla Tucker, died earlier.

The family suggests memorials to the Patient’s Fund at Aldersgate Village, 7220 SW Asbury Drive, Topeka 66614; The Capper Foundation, 3500 SW 10th Ave., Topeka 66604, or Midland Hospice Care, 200 SW Frazier Circle, Topeka 66606-2800.

Penwell Gabel Mid Town Chapel is handling arrangements.