Melody Jo Ford, age 65, of Athens, passed away on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 at Memorial Medical Center surrounded by her family.
Melody is survived by her husband, Charles K.; five children, Melissa (James) Herrman, Kristopher (Alisha) Howard, Charles J. “Jeff” (Jeanette) Ford, Allison Ford and Jackie (Shane Ray) Frost; one brother, Meldon (Helen) Vogel; ten grandchildren, Katie and Julia, Keilyn and Kyler, Taylor, Isaac, Colton, Aerabella, Sophia and Trenton; as well as nephew, Ted.
She is preceded in death by both parents.
Melody was born on July 25, 1951 in Sterling, IL the daughter of Mathias “TC” and Elizabeth “Betty” Vogel.
Melody graduated from Sterling Township High School in 1969. She later completed her Criminal Justice Bachelors Education with honors from Lewis University. Melody also received a scholarship to attend SIU-C however, she chose to postpone her education to start her beautiful family.
Melody was a Stephen Minister and Archery Coordinator at Athens Christian Church, a member of Eastview Baptist Church, was an avid scrap booker, enjoyed crafts, sewing, traveling and most of all loved SHOPPING for everyone – including her grandkids. Melody was also A #1 Top Notch Cubs and Chicago Sports Fan her entire life. She would always seem to find the best in people no matter the circumstance that is why she Excelled in her position as a counselor for the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Cremation rites have been accorded.
Visitation for Melody will be held on Friday, December 9, 2016 at the Athens Christian Church from 4-7 PM. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 10 AM at the Athens Christian Church.
Rev. Ken Gennicks will be officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made out to the “Athens Christian Church” and “Safer Foundation.”
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Posted December 7th, 2016 at 5:44 pm
My sincere condolences Charlie. I always loved you guys.
Posted December 7th, 2016 at 5:57 pm
We are so sorry for your loss. Melody was so special to everyone at Revenue. She was always so sweet to me. Unfortunately, we are in Florida and won’t be able to attend the ceremony, but rest assured that our thoughts and prayers are with the family. God Bless all of you.
Tom & Becky
Posted December 7th, 2016 at 10:38 pm
Our heart breaks for your loss. Melody was so sweet and giving. Hugs and prayers to you all.
Posted December 8th, 2016 at 9:07 am
Our thoughts and prayers are with you guys in this sad time. we love you guys and will Miss Mel very much. We know she has gone to a better place and her pain and suffering has stopped.
Posted December 8th, 2016 at 12:34 pm
My sincerest condolences and my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Posted December 8th, 2016 at 3:53 pm
My deepest condolences to you Charlie and your entire family. Mel was my dearest friend in high school and we just recently touched base again after many years. I am so blessed to have had that time with her.
Posted December 9th, 2016 at 7:43 am
Sending lots of love, hugs, & prayers to you & your family Charlie! Mel was such an amazing women inside & out. God bless!
Posted December 10th, 2016 at 10:30 am
Charlie, I am so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed working with Melody at Corrections. We were traveling together going to Menard on 9/11(I’ll always remember). I know how much she will be missed by the family she loved so much. God’s blessing to you all.
Posted December 12th, 2016 at 10:34 am
My most sincere condolences to Charlie and family, as I just heard the saddening news. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all and I’m extremely grateful as you always treated me as family.
Posted December 16th, 2016 at 7:43 pm
My deepest condolences to Charlie and the family. I worked with Melody in Corrections and have the best memories of her reliability, how she always made me laugh, her passion and resourcefulness! She was an amazing women! She is gone from our sight but not from our hearts.
I pray for peace and comfort to your family.
Michele