Phyllis Melton
During a eulogy delivered for the late Phyllis Melton Monday, attorney Keith Collett asked the oft' heard question, "What's Marion going to do?"
He enumerated the many ways she served the community, her community, and pondered if there are others (and it would take many) who will step forward to fill the void.
Valley United Methodist Church was packed to near capacity as the funeral service was held.
Pastor Kennedy Mukwindidza officiated. Laura (Brose) Williams was the organist.
A combined community choir of more than 30 voices from throughout Marion presented a close harmony performance of "Brighten the Corner Where You Are." Bob Brookens was the director.
The congregation also sang "For The Beauty of the Earth."
Mary Lynam delivered a heartfelt tribute to her mother and described growing up in the Melton family.
Casket bearers were Ralph Kreutziger, Dennis Youk, Ron Widler, Rex Wilson, Marion Ogden, and Bob Edmunds.
Born Nov. 4, 1915, at Marion, Phyllis Nadine (Williamson) Melton, 87, was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. S.W. Williamson.
She was a lifelong resident of Marion, the town she served so willingly and faithfully for decades. Her service was in many capacities, at the church, in clubs, organizations, as a library volunteer worker, as a generous contributor, and as a friend of man.
She married young physician Ralph R. Melton, M.D., and together they worked toward the betterment of their community. He, like she, was active in civic affairs.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and her siblings.
Mrs. Melton was a member of Valley United Methodist Church, Chapter DB of P.E.O., and St. Luke Hospital Auxiliary. She also gave 20 years of devoted volunteer service to Marion Historical Museum. A few years ago she was honored, along with Lorraine Hadsell, for their service to the museum by being named grand marshals of the annual Old Settlers Day parade.
One of her greatest pleasures and source of enjoyment to the entire community as well, was the talks and lessons she freely gave on Marion County history. She was the accepted local historian.
Survivors include two sons, Robert C. Melton of Kansas City, Mo., and James W. Melton of Newton; daughter, Mary, and her husband John K. Lynam of Fairway; grandson, John Melton Lynam and his wife, Jody, of Highlands Ranch, Colo.; and four nieces.
Death came unexpectedly April 25, 2003, at St. Luke Hospital following a short illness.
Burial was in Marion Cemetery.
Funds have been established at the church, Marion City Library, Central Park, and St. Luke Hospital.
An avid fan of the KU Jayhawk basketball team, she and others "spit in the river" each year the team played in the final four. Monday as the church emptied following a positive and highly inspirational service, the majestic pipe organ softly played the strains of the KU Alma Mater.
