Linda K. Melius
DIAMOND—Linda K. Melius, 66, of Diamond, and formerly of Waukegan, IL, passed away Sunday, Aug. 27, 2023 at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, IL with family surrounding her.
Born Nov. 3, 1956 in Waukegan, Linda was a daughter of Virginia (Mitchell) Reif, of Waukegan and the late, Robert Reif. She was raised and educated in Waukegan and attended Waukegan High School. On Oct. 31, 1987, Linda married James Allan Melius and he preceded her in death on Feb. 1, 2020.
To know Linda was to love her. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister and friend and a natural caregiver in every definition of the word. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children and kitties. Not only was she an amazing mother to her own children, but she often took on a motherly and even grandmotherly role with her kids’ friends and their children. She also had a passion for gardening, she had a magical green thumb, and could keep even the trickiest plants alive. She could always be found in the summer months outside tending to her garden.
Survivors include her mother, Virginia; daughter, Alison Melius (Mitch Hibler), of Terra Haute, IN and son, Max Melius, of Diamond; two brothers, Mitchell (Liz) Reif, of Vernon Hills, IL and David (Tracy) Reif, of Winthop Harbor, IL; one sister, Susan Eng, of Annapolis, MD; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Jim Fantus, Michael (Rita) Melius and Robert (Judy) Melius, and nieces and nephews: Matt (Natalie) Fantus, Michael Fantus, Melissa (Matt) Lynch, Jacquie (Mike) Matayosian, Katie (Jake) Otterson, Jason (Cierra) Reif, Christian Eng and Bryant Eng.
Linda was preceded in death by her father, Robert Reif; husband, Jim Melius and one sister, Bobbie Fantus.
In lieu of flowers, please go to your local greenhouse/nursery and pick out a plant for your home, in honor of Linda.
Cremation rites have been accorded.
The family will receive friends for a memorial visitation and celebration of Linda’s life on Nov. 10, 2023 between the hours of 3 and 5 p.m. at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 N. Broadway, one block north of IL Route 113 in Coal City.
Family and friends are encouraged to log onto www.ReevesFuneral.com to sign the guest book, upload photographs and share Linda’s memorial page online through social media.
Cremation services and memorial arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Homes and Crematory.