Darlene Mellon
Darlene K. (Rich) Mellon, 75, of Francesville, passed away at 8:57 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, at Franciscan Health Hospital in Lafayette, with her husband, son and daughter by her side.
She was born on March 30, 1949 in Decatur, to the late Harold and Marjorie (Roe) Rich. Darlene graduated from Adams Central High School with the Class of 1967, completed her undergraduate studies at Purdue University and earned a Master’s of Education from Purdue in 1975. She was a lifelong educator with a career that spanned 36 ½ years. Darlene taught Kindergarten at Clinton Central for 3 ½ years and was instrumental in starting the Kindergarten program at North White - where she taught for four years. Darlene retired from West Central in 2012 after teaching and inspiring elementary students for 29 years.
On Nov. 24, 1972, Darlene married Charles R. “Chuck” Mellon, Jr. in Monroe. She was a devoted wife and mother, but best part of life was being a grandma. Darlene supported her kids and grandkids in all of their sports and activities.
Darlene enjoyed decorating her home for the various holidays. She also enjoyed cooking and baking (especially cheesecakes). Darlene loved encouraging others with cards and notes. She served on numerous local boards and committees and volunteered countless hours of her time for the betterment of others. Darlene had a servant heart for her community but most of all, she was a servant of the LORD.
She is survived by husband Charles R. “Chuck” Mellon, Jr., Francesville; son Tyson [wife: Jennifer] Mellon, Francesville; daughter Tiffany [husband: Michael] Holle, Francesville; granddaughters: Brooklynn Mellon, Sydney Mellon and Makylah Holle; grandsons: Carson Mellon, Teagen Holle and Tait Holle; brother Larry [wife: Pam] Rich, Carmel; sisters: Cynthia Strahammer, Monroe and Karla [husband: Steve] Davis, Leesburg, Virginia; several nieces and nephews; and many cousins.
Preceded in death by parents: Harold and Marjorie (Roe) Rich; and brother-in-law Josef Strahammer.
Visitation was from 3-7 p.m., Sunday, March 2, at the First Christian Church of Francesville.
Funeral services were held at 11 a.m., Monday, March 3, at the First Christian Church of Francesville with Elder Kyle Zarse officiating.
Burial took place at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.
Memorial contributions may be made to LifeWise Academy – West Central or West Central Schools Educational Foundation.
Online tributes may be offered at www.frainmortuary.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Frain Mortuary Querry-Ulbricht Chapel in Francesville.
(Pulaski County Journal — March 5, 2025)