Fern Louise Melton

Fern Louise Melton, 75, of Robinson, IL, died February 26, 2021, in the comfort of her home, surrounded by her beloved family. She was born May 3, 1945, in Robinson, IL, the daughter of Franklin & Jeanette (Reynolds) Kamplain, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Loretta Tracy, Rosie Dorney, and Gail Hall; and by her brother, Earl Kamplain; by her step-son, Lloyd Melton; and an infant grandson. She married Randall Melton on September 30, 1995, and he survives. She is also survived by her daughters & sons-in-law, Sara & Jay Steinmann and Glenda & Jerry Hanson; by her son & daughter-in-law, Emmit & Amy Connely; by her step-children, Emerson Melton, Julie Bentley, and Terry & Patty Patton; by her grandchildren, Danny & Jessica Bonnell, Heather Clements & Gage Daugherty, Jennifer Bonnell, Brandon Steinmann, Malinda & Kenneth Daugherty, Cole Hanson & fiancee Kari Wagner, Haley Henson, Kaleb Connely, Chastity Wheeler, and Angela Parish; by her 13 great-grandchildren; by her sister, Naydene Sandefer; by her brother, Ron Kamplain; by her sister-in-law, Mary Mitchell-Davis; as well as several nieces and nephews, including her great-niece and caretaker, Beth Clements. Louise grew up in Robinson and was a 1963 graduate of Robinson High School. She furthered her education by attending beauty college in Robinson and used her newfound knowledge to become a beautician, a career she enjoyed for a number of years. She also worked for a number of local institutions, from the Ettelbrick Shoe Factory and L.S. Heath & Sons to the Crawford County Courthouse, before finally retiring from the Hershey Company. She also drove a truck with her husband, Randall as well, and appreciated his company and companionship throughout the twilight years of her life. Back home, her mornings weren't complete without The Price is Right, as anyone who knew her could attest. They could also speak to her prowess with a pencil and brush. A talented artist, she enjoyed drawing and painting, especially animals. Many of her pieces ended up in the hands of her beloved family, who will remember Louise as a kind, tender-hearted matriarch who loved nothing more than surrounding herself with family. She looked for any and every reason to gather her loved ones together and simply lit up watching her grandkids and great-grandkids play. By all accounts, they brought life to her living and were each the apple of her eye. Now that Louise is gone, we find comfort knowing that the love she so freely gave us lives on in our hearts and will continue to serve as her legacy for as long as we live. A time of visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 3rd, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Under Phase 4 Mitigations, public attendance is allowed, but only up to 50 attendees at a time. Thusly, social distancing measures will be in place, and it will be required that all visitors wear face coverings while in the building. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home with Kenny Rager and Danny Dennis officiating. A live stream of her service can be viewed on Goodwine Funeral Homes' Facebook page or by going to https://www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream . Burial will be in the Jones Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to either the "American Cancer Society" or to the "American Diabetes Association", with envelopes available at the funeral home.