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Jill was the daughter of Virgil and Esther Nicole Holzwarth. She married widower Atty. Lee F. Mellinger of Elkhart, Indiana. They had three children:
Tamera
Nicole
Eric
Jill preceded her mother in death. Sadly, she died in Elkhart General Hospital from a blood clot to the lung due to Asthma complications. Jill was a voluteer at the Elkhart Public Library in Elkhart, Indiana in the children's room for many years. She was loved by all who knew her. Her funeral service was held at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Elkhart, Indiana on Tuesday, July 7, 1998. Burial is unknown.
An excerpt from my diary on July 2, 1998 says, "We are told at work [Elkhart Public Library] that our Main Children's room volunteer, Jill Mellinger, died last night of a blood clot in her leg to her lungs from her asthma problems. We are shocked in MC."
An excerpt from my diary on July 6, 1998 says, "I went to Jill Mellinger's visitation from 2-4. Lots of Elkhart Public Library people there…some I've never met but get to meet. Everyone LOVED Jill!"
Another excerpt from my diary from July 7, 1998 talked about Jill's funeral...
"I go to Jill Mellinger's funeral at 10:00 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Elkhart and take my 6-year old Jennifer (because I can't find a sitter. It is our first Catholic funeral.) We sit with all Elkhart Public Library people together in the pews and I sit with Cathy (manager of Main Children's Department) who is having a hard time losing her best friend) and my little Jenny and Cathy see a mouse run across the stage before the funeral starts. My Jenny whispers loud to me about it and Cathy quits crying and laughs and said, "This is so like Jill to do something like this to make us stop crying and make us laugh...we would never forget that moment..." RIP dear Jill.
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Marilyn J. Comer (Rafter)
Jill and I became friends in high school and continued that friendship after she moved to Elkhart. My father and step-mother lived in Elkhart so I was there often and either saw Jill or at least called when I was in town.
I actually had a wonderful visit the afternoon prior to her death that evening. We had not seen each other for a few years and I was in town on business; after I called on clients, I called her to see if we could meet somewhere for a cup of coffee. She said I was very close to her house and just come on over. I was there for 2-3 hours, during which time her daughter, Nicole, came in home for the weekend from college. We had a really wonderful visit. She was excited that Lee, her husband, had bought tickets for a trip to France for her and Nicole and she was really looking forward to that trip in June. She was in good spirits and as much fun as always.
I received a call from my step-mom the following Saturday morning saying that she wanted to be sure I knew about Jill. I was told that when she was getting ready for bed that night after our visit she had an asthma attack and by the time the family realized she was really in trouble the ambulance could not get there in time to save her.
I do not have all the details, but this is a friend that I have missed all these years. Her funeral service was very difficult for me; I am so thankful for that last visit with her.
Michael F. Pletcher
I rembenber Jill, very well. She was a beautiful lady and always friendly. In fact, I had a crush on her which I kept to myself. Most of my relatives live in Elkhart, Indiana. I have traveled to Elkhart 4 times in the last 2 years- 3 times for funeral and one time for a visit with my counsins. I am almost sure that some of my relatives knew Jill, and the next time I visit, I will sure ask. I remember you vividly , Jil and will always carry with me in my mind's eye your beautiful smile. RIP and know there are so many who hold you dear with precious memories. Michael Pletcher