Jean Ellen Melchi

She was preceded in death by her husband, Manfred Lee “Pete” Melchi of 74 years.

Jean Ellen (Hutker) Melchi, daughter of Everett and Helen (Spindler) Hutker was born in Allen County, Indiana on November 25, 1928.

She graduated from Decatur High School in 1946. She was active over the years as President of the PTA Council of the Ft. Wayne Community School, charter member and president of the Steuben County Women’s Club, member and president of the Pokagon Antique Club, and member of Pokagon Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution since 1975. Jean also worked with mentally challenged children in the Ft. Wayne Community Schools for many years. She was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star for over 50 years.

She had a love of quilting and shared it with many family members (her daughter) actively quilts today) and friends. All that received her quilt gifts over the years treasure the gift to this day. She loved to sew, quilt, garden and most of all to play with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

For the last 54 years, she and her partner Pete enjoyed ball room dancing as often as 5 nights a week-many times traveling hundreds of miles for a single dance. Many friends in the dance community will remember their unique and energetic dance style. Her favorite-the Russ Morgan Orchestra.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Manfred Lee “Pete” Melchi, parents, Everett and Helen Hutker, brothers, Everett Hutker, Jr., William Hutker and Larry Hutker and a sister, Virginia Quance.

Survivors include children, Melody (Al) Hostetler of Briarcliff, Texas, Lee (Jacque) Melchi of Coldwater, Michigan and Dean (Kathy) Melchi of Hillsdale, Michigan, eight grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and a brother, Ted Hutker of Decatur, Indiana.

In lieu of flowers contributions in her memory may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital.

There will be no services at this time.