Melba Irene Lee, age 87, of Dixon, was born February 21, 1935, at Canton, Illinois, a daughter of Gale and Grace (VanMiddlesworth) Kruschensky, and passed from this life Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at her residence in Dixon.

Mrs. Lee was united in marriage February 21, 1957, at St. David, Illinois, to Francis Lee, who preceded her in death May 30, 2003.

Mrs. Lee had accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of the Hephzibah Holiness Church, Dixon, at the time of her passing.  Through the years, she was a Sunday school teacher, a worker in the Goodnews Club for children, and always had a willing heart to take on any job needing to be done at church and helping others as well.  She and her husband moved to Dixon from Peoria, Illinois over twenty-five years ago.  Mrs. Lee was employed in childcare and as a homebound care giver during her working life. She enjoyed crocheting afghans for others especially baby afghans.  She was a devoted housewife and homemaker throughout her life as well.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mrs. Lee include: Her sisters, Carolyn Bittner, Peoria, Illinois; and Janet Yocum, Canton, Illinois; and other relatives and many friends.

In addition to her husband, Francis, she was preceded in death by her father, Gale; her mother, Grace Schoonover; and one brother, Paul Leonard Kruschensky.

Visitation for Mrs. Melba Lee will be held from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m., Monday, June 6, 2022, in the Hephzibah Holiness Church, 401 Hickory Street, Dixon, MO 65459, followed by her funeral service at 11:00 a.m. in the church with Rev. Archie Atwell officiating.

Interment will be next to her husband, Francis, in the Dixon Cemetery, under the direction of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, Dixon. Honorary pallbearers will be her church family.

Memorial contributions in memory of Mrs. Melba I. Lee are suggested by her family to the Phelps Health Hospice or the Hephzibah Holiness Church with envelopes available at the church or in care of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box EE, Dixon, MO 65459.