Born October 27, 1932 near Rushville to Roger G. and Eva Pauline (Lawson) Mason, she married Dr. Earl Earnest Melchers on August 23, 1953 in Macomb. He died on January 6, 2001 in Peoria. She also was preceded in death by her parents and one son, Mark Mason Melchers on December 18, 2007 in Chicago Heights.
Surviving are one son, Brian (Laurie) Melchers of Greenwood, Indiana; two granddaughters, Rachel Leigh (Graham Crosh) Melchers of Chicago and Danielle Rae Melchers of Greenwood; one brother, Roderick (Judith) Mason of Colchester and many nieces and nephews.
Marge earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education at Western Illinois University in 1968. She later earned her Master of Science Degree in Reading in 1981 and became a State Certified Reading Specialist. While at W.I.U. she was a member of the Alpha Sigma Alpha Society.
She enjoyed teaching primary school for 32 years, 28 of those years with Pekin Public Schools District 108. She taught in the Chapter I program, teaching reading and math. Prior to teaching in Pekin she taught three years in Delavan and one year in Ault, Colorado, while her husband earned his doctorate in Psychology, Counseling and Guidance. Early in her working career she worked as a secretary for two years. She was a member of the Illinois Education Association and the Education Association of Pekin.
Marge was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, where she served as 1st Regent for 2 years and as Flag Chair for 6 years. She was also a member of Alpha Delta Kappa teacher’s sorority, the Friends of the Pekin Library and public television station, WTVP. She was a longtime member of a pinochle card club, formed in 1972 and made up of special friends. Marge was a former member of the American Association of University Women in Pekin.
Earl, Marge and their family started camping in 1961 with friends, and then later Marge and Earl enjoyed camping with their camping family, Pekin Celestial City Camping Club. She also enjoyed coordinating get-togethers three times a year for the 1800 block of Highwood Avenue in Pekin.
Her family was always a very important part of her life.
She was a faithful member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin, where she also was a member of United Methodist Women, the Susannah Circle, Friendship Club and the Y.A.M. Adult Sunday School Class.
Her funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday, February 26, 2021 at Grace United Methodist Church in Pekin. Pastor Eric N. Swanson will officiate. Visitation will be held one hour before the funeral Friday at the church. The funeral will also be live streamed on the church website at pekingrace.com. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Friday in Rushville City Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pekin Park Foundation, 1701 Court Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554. Marge’s pet project was helping beautify Mineral Springs Park with memorial benches and trees. Memorial contributions may also be made to her beloved church, Grace United Methodist Church, 601 North 4th Street, Pekin, Illinois 61554.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
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