Marilyn June Melton, 89, of Erie, IL, died Thursday, December 18, 2025, at Resthave Care & Rehabilitation in Morrison, IL.
Marilyn was born June 7, 1936, in Sterling, IL, to Carl and Alice (Pletsch) Sandrock. She graduated in 1954 from Prophetstown High School. She married Carl R. Melton on April 17, 1955, in Yorktown, IL. Prior to having children, she worked at Eclipse Lawn Mower. She and Carl farmed until 1978 when they moved to Erie. Marilyn later worked in food service and drove school bus for the Erie School District, and also sold Avon.
Family was most important to her. She loved following her grandchildren’s sports and activities. She and Carl were well known for baking wonderful pies and she also enjoyed knitting and reading. In recent years she cherished traveling to Florida with a group of friends.
Marilyn was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church on July 4, 1936, and confirmed at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Yorktown. She was a longtime member of the First Lutheran Church in Prophetstown. She served on several committees, was a mentor and enjoyed singing in the Choir.
She is survived by her children, Mark (Gayle) Melton, Erie, Marsha (Kevin) Kraciun, Bettendorf, IA, Rod (Deb) Melton, Cameron, IL; eight grandchildren, Christa (Jason) Robshaw, Ryan (Cassidy) Melton, Amber (David) Stockbauer, Matthew (Megan) Kraciun, Brianna (Nick) Plunkett, Trevor Melton, Cole Ornduff (Mikayla) and William Ornduff (Courtney); 12 great-grandchildren, Taylor, Drew and Addison Robshaw, Turner and Teegan Melton, Karli, James, and Joseph Kraciun, and Sapphire, Asilynn, Delainey and Arya Ornduff.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Carl.
The family wishes to thank Ken Cocking for being a special friend and helper to Marilyn.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m.,on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at First Lutheran Church of Prophetstown, IL.
Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 10:45, prior to the service.
Burial will be in Erie Cemetery, Erie, IL.
Gibson – Bode Funeral Home, Erie, IL, is in care of the arrangements.
Memorials may be made to First Lutheran Church, Prophetstown, IL.
Share a memory or condolence at www.gibsonbodefh.com.