Barbara Melchionne Howard, 72, Silvis, Ill., passed away surrounded by family peacefully on Wednesday, March 7, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf, Iowa after a brief illness. She was born in Bangor, Maine, to Elizabeth Dudley on February 3, 1946. After serving in the U.S. Army, she lived in Maine, New York, Iowa, Florida and Illinois. Barb was employed by the Salvation Army in Fort Pierce, Florida for a number of years. She was later employed for nearly 20 years as a guest services supervisor by Jumer’s Casino Rock Island (Ill.) and loved her job and guests. She enjoyed traveling, especially to the Great Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Florida and Japan. Barb enjoyed spending time with her family. It was no secret that she was a big fan of music artists Elvis Presley and Ed Sheeran. Barb also loved her dogs. She took great joy in raising and caring for her little Yorkies. She also enjoyed watching movies, especially comedies! Barb is survived by six daughters: Tammy Williams (Mark), Port Byron, Ill.; Billie Anderson, Blue Grass, Iowa; Angie Agan (Robert), Blue Grass, Iowa; Georgie Alderman (Troy), Camanche, Iowa; Tabatha Baker (David), Bettendorf, Iowa; and Dawn Adams (Josh Fritz), Navarre Beach, Fla.; sisters Geraldine Fitzpatrick, Brenda Donovan and Debbie Newman; brother Thomas Melchionne; an uncle, Ed Dudley; 14 grandchildren; and seven great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her mother, a brother, Joe Melchionne, and a sister, Tamiko Melchionne. Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 14, at Runge Mortuary, 838 East Kimberly Road, Davenport, Iowa. A private service will take place on a later date at the Rock Island Arsenal.
