Karen Ann Melton, 78, of Granite City, Illinois passed away at 9:12 p.m. on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at her home with family at her side. She was born June 4, 1946, in St. Louis, Missouri, a daughter of the late George and Lynn (Hunt) Hollocher. She married the love of her life, Edward “Dewey” Melton on October 27, 1964, in Clayton, Missouri and he survives. Karen retired from the Granite City Assessor’s office after many years of dedicated service as a clerk. She had also worked as a real estate agent through the years. She was a faithful member of Unity Baptist Church and had served as a Sunday school teacher. Karen loved her days of volunteering for many activities and organizations and enjoyed her children’s school days serving as president of the PTA and assisting with the many school activities. She was very proud to read to children with the Granite City School District literacy program, loved going to Panama City, Florida to enjoy the beach and ocean and was an avid fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. She also enjoyed working with crafts, sewing, cooking and tending to her family and home. Her life was filled with overflowing love and unbelievable generosity to all always giving of her time, money and love. Karen was a devoted and loving wife, mom and grandma. She cherished her family and loved her children and was so proud to have nine granddaughters and will be remembered for the love and special times they shared. In addition to her beloved husband, she is survived by four children and spouses, Cindy Melton of San Antonio, Texas, Ed and Alice Melton of Memphis, Tennessee, Laurie and Glen Ahlers of Glen Carbon and Kristi and Josh Hickam of Granite City; nine granddaughters, Taylor, Rian, Casey, Lindsay, Brenna, Rylie, Alayna, Maggie and Kori; a brother, Mark Hollocher of St. Charles, Missouri; a sister, Patricia Gibbs of Fairway, Kansas; niece, Kelley Schaub of St. Charles, Missouri; other extended family and friends.
In celebration of her life, a visitation will be at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, from 4 until 8 p.m. where funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, with Pastor Jarad Corzine officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon. Memorials may be made to the Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library and can be made online at www.donate.imaginationlibrary.com or may be accepted at the funeral chapel. www.irwinchapel.com.
