Mellody A. (Kruse) Anderson, 66, of Freeport, IL, born to Stella (Thorn) and Fay W. Kruse on June 15, 1956. She went to be with her Heavenly Father and family on July 24, 2022, surrounded by her loving family in the comforts of home with her sister. She joined her brother Jeffery, and later they welcomed another brother Rick and sister Tammy Kruse to bless their family. She was the first granddaughter to George and Mabel Kruse. She attended school in Orangeville and Dakota, growing up most of her life in the Rock Grove Community. After completing her schooling, some of her jobs included working at the Monroe Manor and tending bar at Green's Tap in Savanna, IL. She traveled with Farrow Amusements Carnival for many years, took care of a house in Mt. Carroll, IL, and took care of her grandma Kruse, all prior to having her "Christmas Bundle of Joy", her baby girl Heather. Afterwards, she had her own daycare helping up to approximately 52 children through the years and raising her other "special" girl Deja.

Mellody was also well known through the years for her sugar cookies that she baked and decorated, both delicious and beautiful. Mellody loved to attend the county fair and listening to country music, with a few of her favorites being George Strait and Alan Jackson. Mellody loved the family get togethers – The Kruse, Baker, and the 3-K reunions. She also enjoyed playing cards and coloring to help pass the time.

Mellody will be truly missed by her "special aunt" "Dama" (Dorothy), her sister Tammy, brother Rick (Deanna), daughter Heather, grandson Mauricio, and granddaughter Aaliyah. She will also be missed by her "bonus daughter" Carrie (Ronald) Martz, and her family, Clarissa (John) Metz, Ryan (Rachel) Miller, Savannah Miller (Kevin Moore) and Destiny Miller (Anthony), Sophia & Dalila Metz, Alexandria and Jaxson, Maxine Miller, Wyatt Finley and Rylyn Moore; Braylee, Coplen, Dawsyn and Paisden Miller, her adopted daughter Deja Holland, and her special adopted grandkids: Nicholas (Bionca) Ekena; Derek, Aleshia (Ace) Azarah, Atavia, Yohanan, Kathryn (Ethan) Freya, Victor, Arceli, among many more that will miss her so much.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Jeffery, her grandparents, her great-grandson Kylar James Moore, and other friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established. Cremation rites have been accorded.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday July 31, 2022 at 1 PM, with visitation from 11 AM until time of service, at the Schwarz Park Blvd Chapel, 608 S. Park Blvd in Freeport, IL.