Melba (Williams) Foster

Melba Foster, age 87 of Pittsfield, IL passed away at her home in Pittsfield Monday, January 13, 2025. She was born July 2, 1937, in Barry, IL to Robert C. and Hazel Wilson Williams. Melba married George R. ‘Bob’ Foster October 17, 1953, in Pittsfield, IL and he preceded her in death November 25, 2017.

Melba was raised in Barry, IL and attended school there until she married and started her family with Bob. She was a member of Pittsfield First Christian Church and Pike County H.C.E. Melba worked at SS Kresge Store which later became K-Mart, and Motorola in Quincy. She and Bob later moved the family to their property in rural Barry which became their family farm. Melba also worked for Lemons IGA, at Pike County Health Department as an Environmental Inspector, and worked with Pike County Nuisance Ordinance Division. In her spare time, she was a talented quilter, did exceptional needlework, enjoyed cross stitch and embroidery and was an avid reader. Melba was a hardworking, kindhearted, and particular woman who loved her family dearly and will be missed by all.

Melba is survived by sons, James (Carol) Foster of Pittsfield, IL and Jon (Nancy) Foster of Melbourne, FL; daughters, Christina Chatman of Pittsfield, IL and Irma Suzette Dark of Quincy, IL; grandchildren, Chandra (Jason) Shireman, Joshua (Misako) Foster, Jeremy (Kelsey) Foster, Brianne (Ethan) Becker, Wade Foster, Jared Butler, Devon Butler, Joel (Sandra) Peters, and Heather (Damion) Dodd; great grandchildren, Kaito Foster, Kenji Foster, Sophie Hamilton, Sandy Peters, Joel Peters, Jr., Carson Dodd, Caleigh (Michael) Dodd-Stockman, Ava Dodd, Elijah Dodd, and Amelia Penn; brothers, Robert (Sue) Williams and Louis (Cindy) Williams; and sisters, Starr Gold and Jeanie (Jim) Dunham.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Hazel Williams; husband of 64 years, Bob Foster; and sister, Mary Dell Ervin.

Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield, IL with visitation held prior to the service from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at the St. Stephens Cemetery in Pittsfield, IL. Memorials are suggested to be made to the St. Stephens Cemetery of Pittsfield. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.

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