Melva Dean Lauderdale

Melva Dean Lauderdale, 94, of Springfield, formerly of Eddyville, passed away on Saturday, July 16, 2022 at Arcadia Care Auburn. She was born April 8, 1928, in Pope County, the daughter of James and Gracie Ann (Clardy) Short. She married Robert Lee Lauderdale on July 17, 1948 and he preceded her in death on March 28, 1988.

She is also preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; daughter, Phyllis Lauderdale; four brothers Carroll, James, Bill, and Lafe Short and their wives.

She is survived by seven daughters: Linda (Dan) Horton of Florida, Vivian Dennison of Springfield, Marilyn (Joe) Piasecki of Decatur, Janett (Jim) Sullivan of Springfield, Cheryl (Jeff) Acup of Maroa, Violet Lauderdale of Forsyth, and Rhonda (Kevin) Martin of Romeoville; three sons, Richard (Leesa) Lauderdale of Streator, Tim (Deanna) Lauderdale of Mt. Pulaski and Barry (Brandy) Lauderdale of Litchfield; 27 grandchildren: Melissa (Andy) Gadd, Mark (Ann) Solomon, Christopher Dennison, Robert Piasecki, Kristen (Jamie) Guerm, Richard (Megan) Lauderdale, Jr., Katherine Lauderdale, Janice (Adam) Mueller, Justin (Adrianne), and Elizabeth VanFossan, Brendan (Lauren Monical) Sullivan, Katie (Jordan House) Bowser, Michael Sullivan, Craig (Pamela Pence) Lauderdale, Tabitha (Wayne) Beanland, Amanda (Thomas) Durnil, Caprice Procarone, Connie Procarone (deceased), Shannon Raymond, Ross Cornell, Adam (Gina) Martin, Amber (Alec) Rush, Matthew (Shannon) and Jason (Caitlyn) Martin, and Samantha (Jesse Harris) Lauderdale-Cote, Kenneth, and Chase Lauderdale; 44 great-grandchildren: Brandon and Ashley Baker, Savanah and MaKenna Soloman, Bryce Godd, Joey Piasecki, Jacob, Zackery and Alyssa Guerm, Caleb, Rylin ad Grady Mueller, Hawkins VanFossan, Camdyn, Lyam and Marshyll Sharp, Eden and Leo Sullivan, Carter, Caylee and Chelsea Bowser, Brittany, Zackery and Weselly Lauderdale, Collin and Wyatt Beanland, Kaleb and Kameron Bone, Carson and Adilyn Procarione, Grace Lauderdale, Roslyn Durnil, Jana and Dustin Adams, and Konner, Logan, Madison, Jordyn, Hunter, Eliza, Ysabella, Sophia, Spencer, Finneas, and Warwick Martin; three great-great-grandchildren: Marley and Cayd Baker and Athena Lauderdale; and several nieces and nephews.

Melva was a member of Springfield Church of Christ. She was the housekeeping supervisor at Lewis Memorial Christian Village and the bookkeeper for the Children’s Museum. She was always loving and caring especially with her grandkids, whom she was available to babysit anytime. She loved to cook, bake, sew, and quilt. She raised beautiful flower and vegetable gardens. Melva found comfort in reading her Bible daily.

Visitation: 4 – 7 pm, Thursday, July 21, 2022 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield.

Graveside Service:  1 pm, Friday, July 22, 2022 at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Eddyville, IL.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.