Melba (Jones) Hendricks

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Melba Hendricks on August 25, 2025.

Melba was born on June 13, 1936, in Golden Eagle. A daughter of the late Sandy & Alma (Brock) Jones. She was one of 11 children: Leland (Rose) Jones, Shirley (Ellis) Herter, Virginia (Charles) Murphy, Jim (Carol) Jones, Noel (Sally) Jones, Michael (Rosie) Jones, Karen (Bob) Kulp, Fred (Trish) Jones, Greg (Julie) Jones, and David Jones.

Melba met and married the late Charles Hendricks on September 8, 1956. They were together for 43 years until his passing on May 20, 2003.

Melba was the mother of seven children: Barbara (Randy) Hillman of Wood River, IL, Brenda (Mick) Hill of Kirkwood, MO, Brent (Anita) Hendricks of Bowling Green, FL, Beverly (Bob) McPherson of Grafton, IL, Brian (Karen) Hendricks of Chesterfield, MO, Beth (Brad) Owens of Stillwell, KS, Brock (Heather) Hendricks of Godfrey, IL. Melba was blessed with 15 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, as well nearly 175 nieces and nephews.

Melba was known for her hats, walking for miles around the streets of Wood River, as an enthusiastic basketball/sports fan and loved to read. She was a long-time member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church (Holy Angels Parish), Society of St. Vincent de Paul, St. Ann’s Altar Society, and The Daughters of Isabella.

She was preceded in death by her brothers, David and Greg; her sister, Shirley; her brothers-in-law, Charles and Ellis; her sisters-in-law, Rosie and Rose; as well as her sons-in-law, Randy and Mick.

Visitation services will be held from 4-7 pm on Monday, September 1 at Marks Mortuary in Wood River.

A Mass of Catholic Burial will be held on Tuesday, September 2 at Holy Angels Parish in Wood River at 10am. Father Donald Wolford will officiate.

Burial will be in Rose Lawn Memory Gardens in Bethalto.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Holy Angels Parish and Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

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