Mary R. Melton

Mary R. Melton, 81, of Bartonville, passed away at 4:45 am on Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at Heartland Healthcare Center in Peoria.She was born May 20, 1932 in Ewing, ILto Mason and Wilma (Toombs) Walker. She married John L. Melton on February 13, 1951 in St. Louis, MO. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years on February 17, 2012. Her parents, one granddaughter, Jennifer Hale, one great-granddaughter, Angelina Highley, three brothers and three sisters also preceded her in death.Surviving are her three children, Vonna (Gary) Hale of Western Grove, AR, John R. (Cindy) Melton of Coral Springs, FL and Leeann K. (Tim) Feicke of Pekin, IL, four grandchildren, Jason A. (Tasha) Hale, Sarah M. Feicke, Michelle L. (Nathan) Hollan, and Jacob Melton, U.S. Naval Academy Mid-Shipman, Junior Officer, five great-grandchildren, Zachary McReynolds, Gabriel Hale, Jonathan Highley, Abbigail Highley and Eva Hale, one brother, Paul (Ella) Walker and one sister, Veda Sink.Mary worked as an Accounts Receivable Clerk for the Salvation Army for many years before retiring and was a charter member of the Laramie St. Baptist Church in Peoria. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, and going for walks. Mary’s family was important to her, but above all she loved God.A funeral service will be Monday, October 28, 2013 at 11:00 am with visitation one hour prior to the service at the Laramie St. Baptist Church in Peoria. The Rev. Jeremie Davis and Rev. Bill Williams will officiate. Burial will follow the service at Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria. Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel is in charge of arrangements.Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association and Laramie Street Baptist Church. Please visit Mary's story at www.davison-fulton-bartonvillechapel.com.