Melinda Jo Ketelsen (née) Johnson, 60, entered into eternal rest September 22, 2016 after a 3 year battle with lung cancer. Born in St Louis, the family relocated to Aurora, IL in 1967. Melinda entered her life’s work as a nurse specializing in the NICU, spending 30 years at Delnor Hospital in Geneva, IL, and 5 years at UMC in Tucson, AZ. Her compassion and caring is revealed by the multitude of former patients, parents, co-workers and friends that love and care for her dearly. She is survived by her beloved husband Dean in Tucson, her sister Mary Alice “Maj” (Jeff) Williams of Sugar Grove, IL, nieces Robin Johnson and Kathy Pelanek, nephews Trés Johnson and Rick (Susan) Pelanek, and numerous nieces and nephews and relatives by marriage from the Ketelsen and Johnson family, and many dear friends and former co-workers. Preceded in death by her parents Richard L. and Alice Mary Johnson, her brother Richard L. Johnson Jr. and her sister Susan Mary Charles. A memorial will be held at Abbey Funeral Chapel, 3435 N 1st at 1pm on Saturday, October 1, followed by a celebration of love at El Saguarito Restaurant, 1763 E Prince Road. Charitable donations may be made in her name to your local animal shelter, or to Hope Animal Shelter, PO Box 1996 Cortaro, AZ 85652.
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