Melody Ford

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.”