Mary Jean Mellentine, 96, of Granville, IL, died October 8, 2025 in Peru, IL. She was born October 28, 1928 in Savanna, IL, to parents Frank and Lucille (Carey) Charneski. She graduated from Aquin High School in 1946. She married Robert I Mellentine on November 22, 1947 in Freeport, IL.

In her younger years Mom worked at Burgess Battery and Payless Grocery. In the early 70's, Mom and Dad pursued their dream of owning their own business and moved to Davis, IL where they purchased Davis Grocery and loved working their dream. When they sold the business, Mom retired and they returned to Freeport, IL.

When Dad passed in 2000, Mom moved to Granville, IL to live with her son Paul to help him raise his young family and in her later years they became her constant caregivers until her passing. Mom was very close to her siblings, her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with almost daily phone conversations. She was on top of the weather and made sure you were too. She was an animal lover and enjoyed many pets and a great view of her birdfeeders. She loved her coffee, was an avid reader and liked working puzzles, watching the news, the Weather Channel and her favorite show Gunsmoke.

Survivors include her 5 Children: Mary Kathleen Woitynek, R. Timothy (Mary Jo) Mellentine, Susan (Calvin) Chriss, Valerie (Don) Hoege, and Paul (Thea) Mellentine; Sister-in-law Shar Charneski , cousins, nieces and nephews, Grandchildren: Dan Balthazor, Andy Mellentine, Jay Mellentine (Allison), Judson Chriss (Brandy), Brandon Rosman, Brett Rosman, Rob Mellentine (Hannah), Kaitlyn Mellentine (Justin Gardner), Paige Mellentine (Wesley Jones), Alexandra Mellentine; and 18 Great Grandchildren.

She was preceded in death her parents, husband Robert Mellentine, and siblings: Ronald Charneski , Joyce Teuscher, and John Grattelo.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday October 25, 2025 at 11 AM, at the Schwarz Park Blvd Chapel, 608 S. Park Blvd in Freeport, IL. Friends may call at the chapel after 10 AM.

In Lieu of flowers, a memorial has been chosen for the Illinois Valley Animal Rescue (IVAR), Industrial Dr., La Salle, IL 61301.