Melody Ramsey

Melody Ramsey, 70, of Palestine, IL, passed away on January 5, 2025. Born on September 5, 1954, in Terre Haute, IN, to Roscoe Eveland & Lucy (Dunlap) Carver, Melody entered this world carrying a story unlike any other. Though she was meant to be a twin, she always believed she lived with two heartbeats—a symbol of her remarkable resilience and enduring spirit. Even in her final days, her heart continued to beat with unwavering strength, a testament to her boundless determination.

Melody’s childhood in Palestine was a kaleidoscope of joy, laughter, and playful mischief. Under the watchful eye of her strict stepfather, Max Carver, she learned the art of creative storytelling to avoid trouble—a skill that added a sense of charm to her already vibrant personality. She graduated from Palestine High School in 1972, ready to embark on a life fueled by hard work and an unyielding spirit. Throughout her career, Melody wore many hats. She worked at Crawford Electronics and later at Flowers Plus and Pioneer Fitness, where she was the friendly face at the reception desk and the diligent cleaner behind the scenes. Her longest role, however, was at Hershey, where she became a familiar figure on the PayDay line. Even after an injury relegated her to the Heath line, she remained dedicated until her early retirement became inevitable. Still, Melody’s zest for life was contagious. She possessed an extraordinary ability to connect with others, effortlessly striking up conversations with complete strangers. With Melody, there were no pretenses—what you saw was what you got: an unfiltered, genuine soul with a sharp wit and a natural flair for clever comebacks. Her humor and candor left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

A lover of life’s simple pleasures, she had a fondness for shoes—evidenced by a collection that could rival any boutique! Jewelry, bold fashion choices, and vibrant hair colors were expressions of her lively spirit. Sappy Lifetime Network movies were a favorite of hers, and she also found joy in sunflowers, hummingbirds, and surprises, no matter how small. Though she enjoyed receiving gifts, she found even greater joy in giving. Even when she didn’t have a lot, Melody would take her son BJ on weekend getaways, creating cherished memories and showing him the world beyond their doorstep. Whether it was a small token of affection or a grand gesture, her mantra was always, “I’ll make more money next week.”

Melody’s adventurous spirit found a partner in Miguel Villa, whom she met in 1998. Together, they explored life atop his motorcycle (and later, trike), embarking on annual visits to Houston, TX, and occasionally, Mexico. Miguel’s family welcomed her with open arms, and she cherished the bond they shared. Relationships, after all, were foundational to who she was. If you were lucky enough to call her a friend, you knew she would always be there for you. This was especially true of her grandchildren, who were her greatest joy. She cherished the title of “Grandma,” and hearing it never failed to light up her face. To her, being “Grandma” wasn’t just a role—it was a part of her identity, and she embraced it with every ounce of her boundless love and energy.

Her love for the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Bears reflected the kind of person she was—steadfast and unwavering, no matter how the season was going. Whether her teams were riding high or struggling, Melody’s loyalty never wavered, just like her steadfast love for family and friends. She embraced life’s ups and downs with the same spirit, cheering just as loudly during the hard times as she did in the good. In many ways, Melody lived her life like a true fan—rooting for the people she loved with all her heart, through every win and every loss.

Like sunflowers turning toward the sun, we couldn’t help but be drawn to the warmth and light Melody so effortlessly radiated. Though she has journeyed beyond this world, her essence lingers—alive in every story shared, in every act of selfless kindness, and in the cherished memories that bloom eternally in our hearts.

She is survived by her son, BJ (Tammy) Fralicker; her grandson, Nick (Lauren) Halterman; her granddaughter, Kiara Fralicker; and her great-granddaughters, Piper and Emery Halterman. She also leaves behind her loving partner of 27 years, Miguel Villa; his children, Barbie (Juan) Escobedo, Michael (Leah) Villa, Robert (Demi) Villa; his grandchildren, Farrah, Alma, Irene, Daniela, Nicole, Madison, Elias, Owen, and Kyler; and his great-grandchildren, Thalía and Mateo. Numerous nieces, nephews, and friends she considered “sisters” will forever miss her warmth and vibrant presence. Melody was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather, Max Carver; her brothers, Everett Eveland, Chuck Eveland, and Darrell Eveland; and her sisters, Patsy Sue Kirk, Joyce Riggs, and Sandy Mitchell.

A time of visitation will be held from 4:00- 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 10th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine, with a funeral service to follow at 7:00 PM, officiated by Pastor Tim Watson. For those unable to attend in person, a live stream of the service will be available at https://www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com/live-stream/live-stream . Following the service, cremation will take place, and Melody’s remains will be interred at Palestine Cemetery at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the “American Cancer Society”, and envelopes will be available at the funeral home.