Melvarose J. Ochs (66) of Olney, formerly of Newton

Melvarose “Melva” Louise Ochs, age 66, of Newton and formerly of Effingham, Illinois, passed away on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at Deaconess Gateway in Newburgh, Indiana.

Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 12:00 PM – Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Ste. Marie, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 9:30AM to 11:30 AM, prior to the funeral service, at the church. The burial will be in the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Sainte Marie, Illinois. In loving memory of Melvarose, memorials may be made to St. Thomas Catholic School. Arrangements are under the care of the Meyer Funeral Home in Newton, Illinois. The obituary can be viewed, and condolences left by clicking here.

Melvarose Louise, better known as Melva, was born on March 27, 1957, the daughter of Wilmer and Betty (Piercefield) Ochs. She was a 1975 graduate of Newton Community High School. Following graduation, she enrolled at Wabash Valley Jr. College and Eastern Illinois University obtaining a degree in elementary education. Upon graduation Melva operated a pre-school in Newton, Illinois for several years. She was a dedicated religion teacher preparing many second graders for their First Holy Communion at St. Mary’s in Ste. Marie, she then moved to Effingham, Illinois and worked at Martin’s IGA as well as delivering newspapers for the Decatur Herald, until an unfortunate accident changed everything. 

Melva’s favorite hobby was collecting solar toys, which she proudly displayed on her windowsill, with a BIG DO NOT TOUCH sign nearby.  She also valued her Hallmark angel ornaments, and lastly her stuffed bears that occupied every room of her house. 

Melvarose is survived by: 3 Siblings - Marie Beal of Olney, Illinois; Stephen Ochs of Newton, Illinois; and Sheila (Tom) Short of Lawrenceville, Illinois; 4 Nephews, 2 Nieces, and many Great Nieces and Nephews also survive.