Pat Meller

Pat Meller, 89, of Anna, died Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021, at Ratliff Care Center in Cape Girardeau. 

She was born on Sept. 18, 1932, the daughter of Vivian and Gertrude Gaines Hopper in Chicago.

She married Joe D. Meller on June 20, 1955, and he survives. 

Mrs. Meller graduated from Thornton Township High School in Harvey.

She attended college at the University of Illinois, where she earned her master’s degree in Spanish and French. During college, she was also a member of the Chi Omega Sorority and graduated Phi Beta Kappa and Bronze Tablet. 

She enjoyed teaching for several years until she became a homemaker and an avid antique collector and dealer. She was an expert on Anna pottery and most other potteries, and loved animals. 

She was a longtime member of the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday school, sang in the choir, and was a member of the women’s association. 

She was a member of the Union County Historical Society and was a postcard collector of Southern Illinois sites and scenes. She also spent time volunteering at St. Francis Medical Center.

Survivors include her husband, Dr. Joe D. Meller; a son, James E. (Valeria) Meller; a daughter, Jane (Don) McLain; six grandchildren, Matthew Meller, F. Christopher (Kyla) Naeter, Daphne Pratis, Cheryl McLain, Brian McLain and Angela McLain; two great-grandchildren, Nathan Scott Naeter and Roman Nettles; a cousin, David (Ann) Gaines; several cousins and other family members.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 1, at the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Anna, with the Rev. David Fischler officiating. Interment took place after the service at the Anna Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to the Union County Historical Society or to the First Evangelical Presbyterian Church of Anna. 

Crain Funeral Home in Anna-Jonesboro was in charge of arrangements.

To view the obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.