Ramona L. Melvin, 91, of Du Quoin, passed away at 12:21 P.M., Monday, February 19, 2024 at her residence.
Mona had been a homemaker.  She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Du Quoin.  She had currently been attending Christian Covenant Fellowship in Carterville, IL.
She was born October 27, 1932 in Princeton, MN, the daughter of Godfrey V. and Effie I. (Wark) Heisler.
She married Bernard Dean Melvin on April 11, 1953 in Minneapolis, MN and he preceded her in death on October 14, 2000.
She was the youngest of five children, and grew up on a farm in central Minnesota, with beans, potatoes, chickens, pigs, cats, and plenty of hard work.  It created in her a spirit of tenacity and love for life.  She truly loved all animals, but especially cats and birds.  She loved reading, good food, and finding out what is over the next hill.  When she married her husband, Bernard, she got her chance for adventure as an Air Force wife.  Their journeys took them and their growing family to Japan, Turkey, Thailand, and many states in the United States.
She was known by everyone as Mona, and all that knew her loved and appreciated her kindness and infectious smile.  She was a devout Christian, and lived a life that reflected the love of Christ with kindness, wisdom, forgiveness, and faith.
She is survived by three sons - Marc Melvin and wife Karen, Michael Melvin and wife Sarah, and Dr. John Melvin and wife Cindy, all of Du Quoin, six grandchildren - Jason Melvin and wife Lindsay of Miramar Beach, FL, Jennifer Crain and husband Jordan of Du Quoin, Rachel Offutt and husband Cameron of Du Quoin, Risdon Melvin and wife Clara of Du Quoin, Matthew Heckel and wife Tammy of Maryland Heights, MO, Laura Reynolds and husband Rob of Carterville, eleven great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, one brother - Gerald Heisler and three sisters - Joyce Truchinski, Jeanette Dobs, and Dorothy Heisler.
Funeral services will be at Noon, Monday, February 26, 2024 at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin with Dr. Matthew Heckel and Rev. Joe Wagner officiating.
Friends may call from 10 A.M. until the time of service on Monday at the Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Burial will be in the I.O.O.F. Cemetery in Du Quoin.
Friends may make memorials to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary and will be accepted at the funeral home.