Melanie Gayle Lewis

Melanie Gayle Lewis, 67, passed away Friday, September 20, 2024, in Chicago, surrounded by family after a brief battle with cancer.

It is with immense pain that our family says goodbye to the treat baking, quilt sewing, storytelling, matriarch of our gang. From childhood memories, to teacher chronicles, Mel always had a story to tell, and her delivery was flawless. She was intelligent beyond comprehension; Even in her final days she was fact checking her doctors. Mel was fascinating, she had seen more of the world than you average person and fully submerged herself in any culture she could. She was an educator, a caretaker, and all-around incredible woman. Mel was a friend and teacher to many, but most importantly, she was a sister, and aunt, mother, and a grandmother. She loved her family more than anything and we will forever cherish her through all the things she taught us and the memories she leaves behind.

Melanie is precede in death by her parents, Robert and Bonnie Lewis, and her sister, Johana Shipp.

Melanie is survived by adoring loved ones; Wally Rod, Amanda Zinsser; Robert Davis; Sandra Murdock, and her four children; Kasey Shipp (Dani Jenca) and three beloved grandbabies; Cody Shipp (Kristin Joy); Braidy Shipp (Jen Casalino); Emily and Erin Dwyer; Rodney Shipp.

A Celebration of Melanie's Life will be held at 2:30 PM on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at Turnbull Funeral Home in Oquawka, Illinois. A time of visitation will be from 1:00-2:30 prior to the service at the funeral home. Graveside inurnment will follow the service at Oquawka Cemetery.