Vernell Melka, 102, passed away peacefully from natural causes at her home on June 8, 2024.
Vernell grew up in the suburb of Maywood, IL, where she lived next door to her cousins and belonged to a horseback riding club in high school. A devout Catholic, Vernell met the love of her life, Robert (Bob), while attending church and married him when he was on short military leave. Vernell and Bob had five children and were together for 61 years until his passing.
Vernell valued faith and family. She and Bob built a lake house where the family could connect; generations later, many formed lifetime bonds. When not at the lake, Vernell could often be found walking the beaches of Florida, playing golf, or admiring Peterbilt trucks. Vernell’s sharp memory transcended her age, which allowed her to maintain long-lasting and deep relationships until her last days. She will be remembered for her witty humor, love of chocolate, fast cars, purple, and hummingbirds, and distaste for cats, eating fish, and ice in her water.
Vernell was preceded in death by her husband, Robert (Bob), and her son, Robert (Pilar). She is survived by her four children: Danell (William), Donalyn (Paul), Thomas (Nancy), Debra (James), fourteen grandchildren, and twenty-four great-grandchildren.
A mass will be held at Immaculate Conception Church on June 28, 2024, at 9:30 AM. The entombment will be at Queen of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Cancer Society, donate.cancer.org, are appreciated.
