Melba Rich
Smithboro | Save
Melba Jean Laura Rich, nee Roy, 88, of Smithton IL, born August 8, 1937, in Prairie du Rocher, IL, died Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at Mascoutah Rehab, Mascoutah, IL.
Melba worked as a dietary assistant at the Shrine for over 20 years. Her family was her life; she enjoyed spending time with her daughters. Melba loved dining out and vacationing, which included her annual birthday celebration at the Lake of the Ozarks with her daughters.
She was proceeded in death by her husband, Bobby Joe Rich; her parents, Henry and Laura, nee Robert, Roy; two brothers, Lavern and Randall Roy; and a son-in-law, Michael B. Newell.
Surviving are her daughters, Nickie Newell (Tom Ellison) and Denise Rich; a cousin, Roger Engler and many other dear cousins; and her grand pup, Cooper.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family or to the Belleville Humane Society. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.rennerfh.com.
The family would like to give special thanks to Hospice of Southern Illinois and the Mascoutah Rehab Staff.
Funeral: Graveside services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Walnut Hill Cemetery, Belleville, IL, with Msgr. William McGhee officiating.
Renner Funeral Home
