Melba Faye Lister (95) of Effingham

Melba Faye Lister, 95, of Effingham, Illinois, passed away the morning of Monday, July 22, 2024, at Waldron Health and Rehabilitation in Waldron, Indiana, surrounded by her family. Melba was a life-long resident of Effingham County.

She was born July 6, 1929, in Effingham, Illinois, the daughter of Fredrick and Mabel (Sutton) Westfall. She married Donald Riley Lister on July 24, 1948, and he preceded her in death on December 22, 1995.

Melba is survived by her sons, Donald Steven Lister and Margie Anderson, of Hendersonville, Tennessee, and Gale Dean Lister of Clearwater, Florida; daughter, Donna Faye Hunt and husband, Doug, of Shelbyville, Indiana; grandchildren, David Lister and wife, Emily, Matthew Lister and wife, Kayla, Emily Epstein and husband, Matthew, Nicholas Lister, and Rebekah Sanderson and husband, Matthew; great-grandchildren, Samuel, Levi, Gaby, Anna, Max and Cullen; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to Donald, Melba was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Evelyn Ring; and brothers, Clifford Westfall, Hershel Westfall, Haven Westfall, Carl Westfall, Leon Westfall and Leland Westfall.

In 1947, Melba graduated from Effingham High School. She was a dedicated member of the Effingham First Church of God, where she enjoyed sharing in Bible study, cooking for church functions, and supporting her church family.

In addition to being an incredible cook, she loved crafting, crocheting, and gardening. Melba was a beautiful seamstress, making countless dresses and costumes, and made many hand-crafted quilts for her loved ones.

Melba worked as a cook in the cafeteria of South Side Elementary of the Effingham School District for over 10 years.

Melba was a loving mother and was very involved in her children’s and grandchildren’s activities. She will be remembered for her quiet strength, warm spirit and unwavering dedication to her family and friends. 

Visitation will be from 5 to 7 pm, (ET) Wednesday, July 24, 2024, at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville and from 11 am to 1 pm, (CT) Thursday, July 25, 2024, at First Church of God, 2600 S. Banker St. in Effingham, IL 62401.

Funeral services will follow at 1 pm (CT) at the church.

Interment will be at Watson Cemetery in Watson, Illinois.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Watson Cemetery, in care of Watson Town Hall, PO Box 127, Watson, Illinois 62473.

Online condolences may be shared with Melba’s family by clicking here.