Melody Jo Ford

ATHENS – Melody Jo Ford, 65, of Athens, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016, at Memorial Medical Center in Athens, surrounded by her family.

Melody was born July 25, 1951, in Sterling, the daughter of Mathias “TC” and Elizabeth “Betty” Vogel.

Melody graduated in 1969 from Sterling Township High School. She later completed her Criminal Justice bachelor's in Education with honors from Lewis University. Melody also received a scholarship to attend Southern Illinois University in Carbondale; however, she chose to postpone her education to start her beautiful family.

Melody was a Stephen Minister and archery coordinator at Athens Christian Church, and a member of Eastview Baptist Church. She was an avid scrapbooker, enjoyed crafts, sewing, and traveling, and most of all, loved shopping for everyone – including her grandkids. Melody was also a number 1, top-notch Chicago 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.

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; 10 grandchildren, Katie and Julia, Keilyn and Kyler, Taylor, Isaac, Colton, Aerabella, Sophia and Trenton; as well as nephew, Ted.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation for Melody will be 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at Athens Christian Church. A celebration of life will be 10 a.m. Saturday at the church, with the Rev. Ken Gennicks officiating.

Mott & Henning Funeral Home in Athens is handling arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made out to Athens Christian Church and the Safer Foundation.

Visit mottandhenning.com to send condolences.