Melba Dean (McGowan) Mausey

Melba Dean Mausey, 90, of Creal Springs, passed away Sunday, October 1, 2023, at her home, surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Thursday, October 5, 2023, at Arnold View Free Will Baptist Church in Creal Springs, with Rev. Ivan Ryan and Rev. Adam Brown officiating. Burial will be in New Salem Cemetery in Creal Springs. Visitation will begin after 6:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home in Carterville, then from 10:00 a.m., to 12:00 p.m., Thursday, at the church.

Memorial contributions can be made to the New Salem Cemetery in Creal Springs, c/o George Davis, Box 16126 Ralls Grove Road, Creal Springs, IL 62922.

Melba was born on December 29, 1932, in Johnson County, to Ralph and Myrtle Mae (Hood) McGowan. She married Gale B. Mausey on July 8, 1953, in Creal Springs. They shared 68 years together before his passing on August 20, 2021.

She is survived by her children, Gayla (Dale) Anderson of Creal Springs, Vickie (Max) Damron of Carterville, Brenda (Eric) Shadley of Creal Springs, Mike (Sue) Mausey of Creal Springs, and Linda (Lee) Boester of Creal Springs; grandchildren, Matthew (Ellen) Anderson, David (Desirae) Anderson, James (Emiline) Anderson, Jonathan (Kistin) Anderson, Bradley (Morgan) Damron, Jason Damron, Katie (Robby) Clark Stokes, Corey (Hanna) Damron, Andrea (Randy) Rash, Stephanie Shadley, Bethany Shadley, Nichole (Jared) Mocaby, Emily (Brandon) Knight, Curtis (Jaclyn) Boester, Amy (Tommy) Kissing, and Brandon Boester; great-grandchildren, Owen (fiancé Lainey Morris) Myra, Jake, Liza, Dylan, Reese, Emery, Khasen, Kaydence, and Karver Anderson, Dayleigh, Lia, Clara, Abbygayle, Archer, Emma, and Eli Damron, Henry, Amelia, Madelynn, and Benjamin Stokes, Gracelynn and Riley Mocaby, Hudson Knight, and Nolan and Callie Kissing; brother-in-law, C.W. Mausey of Creal Springs; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Melba was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Gale Mausey; brother, Eugene (Gypsy) McGowan; sister, Pauline (Bobby) Holmes; brothers-in-law, Robert "Bobby" (Dola) Mausey Jr. and Lowell (Rose) Mausey; and sister-in-law, Colleen Mausey.

She was a member of the Arnold View Free Will Baptist Church in Creal Springs.

Melba was a homemaker and master of many talents and abilities. She was a talented seamstress and small business owner who ran a fabric store from her home. Melba was always ready with a meal or snack anytime someone stopped by the house. Melba and Gale attended every sporting event of every grandchild-they never missed an event. She had a playful spirit and loved helping celebrate birthdays on the actual day with a gift that always contained some candy and gum. Melba enjoyed reading, traveling, playing games-especially dominoes, farming, gardening, tending to her flowers, and spending time with her family. She was a kind, loving, hardworking mother and grandmother, who will be dearly missed.  

Melba’s family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the caregivers who provided such wonderful care during the last few years.

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