Obituaries

March 30, 1949 to February 25, 2025

FRANCESVILLE - Darlene K. (Rich) Mellon, 75, of Francesville, passed away at 8:57p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 25, at Franciscan Health Hospital in Lafayette, with her husband, son, and daughter by her side.

She was born March 30, 1949 in Decatur, to the late Harold and Marjorie (Roe) Rich. She 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. On November 24, 1972, Darlene married Charles R. “Chuck” Mellon Jr. in Monroe (IN). He survives.

Darlene Mellon

She is also survived by:
Tyson (Jennifer) Mellon, Francesville, Son
Tiffany (Michael) Holle, Francesville, Daughter
Brooklynn Mellon, Granddaughter
Sydney Mellon, Granddaughter
Carson Mellon, Grandson
Makylah Holle, Granddaughter
Teagen Holle, Grandson
Tait Holle, Grandson
Larry (Pam) Rich, Carmel, Brother
Cynthia Strahammer, Monroe, Sister
Karla () Davis, Leesburg, VA, Sister
Several Nieces and Nephews
Many Cousins

Preceded in death by:
Josef Strahammer, Brother-in-law

Mrs. Mellon was a lifelong educator with a career that spanned 36½ years. She taught Kindergarten at Clinton Central for 3½ years and was instrumental in starting the Kindergarten program at North White, where she taught for four years. She retired from West Central in 2012 after teaching and inspiring elementary students for 29 years. She was a devoted wife and mother, but the best part of life was being a grandma. She supported her kids and grandkids in all of their sports and activities. She enjoyed decorating her home for the various holidays. She also enjoyed cooking and baking (especially cheesecakes). She 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. She had a servant heart for her community but most of all, she was a servant of the Lord.

Visitation will be from 3 to 7 p.m., Sunday, March 2, at the First Christian Church of Francesville. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m., Monday, March 3, at the church with Elder Kyle Zarse officiating. Burial will be at Roseland Cemetery in Francesville.

Memorial donations 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.