Dorothy Louise Melvin, 98, of Macomb, Illinois, died March 1 at Bickford Senior Living.
She was born June 28, 1927, in LaBelle, Mo., to Lloyd and Georgia L. (Bohon) Thrasher. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Lloyd Thrasher Jr.; and her sister, Mary Lafary. Her brother, Thomas Thrasher of Bushnell, survives.
Dorothy married William Ebey on March 14, 1948. The couple had five children before William’s death in July 1956. Surviving children include son James Ebey of Bushnell and daughters Carol (Leon) Bainter and JoAnn Beck, both of Macomb. Also preceding her in death were her daughter Lynn Beck and son Kevin Ebey.
She married Gordon Melvin of Roseville on Feb. 28, 1976. The couple farmed together in Warren County. The day before her death would have marked their 50th wedding anniversary. He died in 2019.
Dorothy worked at the Galloway Bakery, Good Hope Schools, and Western Illinois University, though farming was always her primary vocation.
In 1991, she undertook a project to hand-quilt a blanket for each of her five children and nine grandchildren. She crocheted countless afghans and doilies, kept a thriving garden, and put up canned goods each season. After retirement, there was often a puzzle on her table.
Dorothy is survived by nine grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held Monday, March 9, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Bushnell Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Martin-Hollis Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please sign the guestbook and leave condolences at www.martinhollisfh.com.
