By Jim Meridith
Posted: Updated:
5 Comments
    • Service

      Private family services will be held.

    • Full Obituary

      Melody Howell, 80, of Cisne, IL. passed away Saturday, December 16, 2023, at Fairfield Memorial Hospital Skilled Care.

      Melody was born January 3, 1943, in Cisne, IL. to Wilfred Conrad and Evelyn (Reid) Beekler. She married Robert J. Howell on June 27, 1965, in Cisne, IL, he preceded her in death on February 1, 2007.

      Melody retired from North Wayne School District after 38 years of teaching, she then continued to fill in as a substitute teacher for several years, before retiring completely. Melody was a 4-H leader, driver for North Wayne Ambulance Service a member of the Cisne Community Center Board, Eastern Star and Delta Kappa Gamma Teachers Sorority, Home Extension, Cisne United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School class.

      Melody enjoyed being outside gardening, mowing the yard, working in her flower garden, bird watching and taking care of her Koi Fish. Her favorite holiday was Halloween, not so much handing out the candy but the trickery that sometimes came with the treats. Melody enjoyed traveling and spending time in Texas during the winters. She adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren, she loved spending time with them, she would always stop what she was doing to play or snuggle up with them and read an enjoyable book.

      Melody is survived by a son, James Howell, two daughters, Sarah (Jason) Slunaker, Rebeccah (Chris) Tucker; six grandchildren, Kayla Howell, Jacob (Brittany) Howell, Haley (Carson) Waggoner, Chelsea (Treston) Stanley, Megan (Tristen) Morris and Nathan Slunaker; nine great grandchildren, Amelia, Sawyer and Bonnie Howell, Evaliah and Charlotte Waggoner, Remi Lou and Lilly Lou Stanley and Myles Morris; a brother-in-law Richard (Pam) Howell; also surviving is a very special friend and care giver Dawna Andrews.

      Preceding in death were her parents, husband Robert “Bob” Howell, her in-laws James and Irene Howell, a sister Beverly Carrington and one great-grandchild Jackson Waggoner.

      Private family services will be held.

      In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be given to Johnsonville Elementary Grade School for their library and reading program. Memorial donations may be mailed or dropped off at the funeral home.

      Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.meridithfuneralhome.com.

      Hosselton-Meridith Funeral Home, Cisne, IL

    Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

    5 Condolences
     
    1. Dawna Andrewy / December 17, 2023 at 7:39 pm

      I loved hearing about the story about teaching and the kids when they were young. I think her favorite story was when she was going to a family reunion and she was running late. She said a bird hit her driver side window and got blood and feathers everywhere. She was wearing a white dress. She said a cop seen her swerving and pulled her over. Melody said she didn’t get a ticket and the cop just told her that he hoped her day got better. He didn’t even help her clean everything up. I worked for Melody almost 8 years I will miss her seeing her smile daily.

    2. ANGIE BUCHANAN / December 18, 2023 at 8:53 am

      SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, REBECCAH AND FAMILY

    3. John and Darlene Hosselton / December 18, 2023 at 1:19 pm

      We are sorry for your loss. She was a great teacher and always friendly with a smile.

    4. Marilyn (Shehorn) Tarbutton / December 21, 2023 at 11:04 am

      To The Family of Melody Howell: So sorry to hear about the death of your Love One Melody. I am Marilyn (Shehorn) Tarbutton and I lived east of Johnsonville until 1958 and then moved to Nevada and now I live in California. I remember Melody from 4-H years ago. If I remember right Melody made some beautiful clothing in 4-H. May God bless each one of you at this time. We know that Melody has been called home to be with her Heavenly Father and others that have gone on before her what a reunion that must have been, I know that all of you will miss her but remember all the good times you had with her over the years as the memories are so precious. With my deepest sympathy and lots of love. Marilyn

    5. Kay Fritch / December 23, 2023 at 10:41 am

      Thoughts and prayers with all of you. She was a dear, sweet lady. Kay (Howell) Fritch

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