Jane R. (Smith) Mellnick, 93, passed away Friday June 16, 2023 at OSF in Rockford Illinois. She was born October 31, 1929 in Freeport, Illinois to Clement and Mildred (Myers) Michel. She attended FHS but went on to "graduate from Aquin in 1947" She married Tillman C. Smith on January 8, 1949 in Freeport. She would then later marry Russell Mellnick on June 13, 1987, in Freeport.

Jane is survived by her 8 children: Michele (the late Steve) Davis of Freeport , Teresa Rockey of Juda, Wisconsin, Kevin (Deborah) Smith of Freeport, Illinois, Michael (Karen) Smith of Stockton, Illinois, Colleen (Marty) Meinders of Freeport, Illinois, Patrick (Cindy) Smith of Stockton, Illinois, Mark Smith of Freeport, Illinois , and Mary Kay Smith (Todd Block) of Lena, Illinois; 28 grandchildren, 46 great- grandchildren, and 12 great-great grandchildren; Sister Mary Barbaro of Concord, Mass, Brothers: Jeron (Sharon) Michel of Naples, Florida, and William (Becky) Michel of Princeville, Illinois; and nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her former spouses, her grandson Adam Smith, and 2 nephews. Jane lived at Oakley Court in Freeport and made close bonds with the staff there and felt as if they were her extended family.

Funeral Mass will be at 11:00 AM on Thursday June 22, 2023, at St Mary's Catholic Church in Freeport. Friends may call at the church at 10:00 AM until the time of the service. A rosary service will be held.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday June 21, 2023, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at the Schwarz Park Blvd Chapel, 608 S. Park Blvd in Freeport, Illinois.

Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery in Freeport, Illinois. A memorial has been established in her memory for the Freeport Catholic Schools.