Erna Nellie Melkus, 98, of Festus died Jan. 14, 2026, at St. Louis de Greeff Hospice House. Mrs. Melkus was a member of Pilgrim’s Rest Church for more than 70 years. She loved teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She was the President of W.M.U. for more than 30 years. She was a homemaker who was known for her gift of hospitality. She enjoyed feeding her family, friends and church family. She also enjoyed quilting and gardening. Born August 8, 1927, in De Soto, she was the daughter of the late Harry and Blanche (Merrill) Reynolds.
She was preceded in death by her husband: George H. Melkus, whom she married on June 7, 1947.
She is survived by three children: Wayne Melkus of Hillsboro, Gail (Dusty) Obermeyer of Festus and Gina Johnston of De Soto; four grandchildren: Stacey (Craig) Block of De Soto, Jeffrey (LeAnna) Obermeyer of Festus, Todd (Jennifer) Melkus of Hillsboro and Josh Obermeyer of Festus; four great-grandchildren: Shelby Block, Jillian Obermeyer, Abby Obermeyer and Mitchell Obermeyer; several nieces and nephews; and many friends.
She also was preceded in death by four brothers: Orville (Dixie survives) Reynolds, Ralph (Betty) Reynolds, Jerry (Alma) Reynolds and Jack Reynolds; and two sisters: Glenice (Don) Drake and Janice (Bob survives) Siebels.
Visitation is scheduled from 10 a.m. until a funeral service at noon Saturday, Jan. 17, at Pilgrim’s Rest Baptist Church, 11441 Ware Church Road, in Hillsboro, 63050. Burial will be in Pilgrim’s Rest Baptist Church Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Pilgrim’s Rest Church Steeple fund for the repairs and replacement of the current steeple. Arrangements are under the direction of Dietrich-Mothershead Funeral Home in De Soto.