Melba Jean Jones, 87, of Salem, went to be with her Lord and Savior on October 16th, 2024, with her family by her side. She was born June 18th, 1937, in Odin, Illinois to Herbert and Rosemond (Williamson) Kelly. She married Raymond Jones on August 5th, 1955, and he preceded her in death in 2019, after 64 amazing years of marriage.
Melba is survived by a son: Garry (Renee) Jones, of Louisiana; two daughters: Terri (Ronald) Kramer, of Salem, and Deidre Jones, of Salem; four grandchildren: Seth Jones, Shawn Rasul, Kiran Rasul, and Anissa Wheeler; five great-grandchildren: Alivia Rasul, Carson Bryan, Kameron Rasul, Atlee Rasul, and Isaiah Wheeler; one brother: Ronnie Kelly; as well as many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, loving husband, two brothers, and three sisters.
Melba had many interests, including cooking from scratch, writing poems, gardening, and sewing. Her greatest joys came from spending time with her family and supporting her loving husband, Raymond.
A funeral service will be held Sunday, October 20th, 2024, at 2:00 pm at the Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home chapel, with Pastor Phil Martin officiating. Burial to follow at Summit Prairie Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 20th, 2024, from noon till the time of service at the Funeral Home for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Summit Prairie Cemetery and will be accepted at the Sutherland-Rankin Funeral Home at 310 N. Broadway/PO Box 97 Salem, Illinois 62881, (618)548-1234, who is honored to be of service to Melba’s family, at this time. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or Sutherland Funeral Homes’ Facebook Page.
