Erna Nellie (Reynolds) Melkus was born on August 8, 1927 in De Soto, Missouri.  She was the daughter of Harry and Blanche (Merrill) Reynolds.  She died on January 14, 2026 at the St. Louis de Greeff Hospice House at the age of 98.

Erna married George Melkus on June 7, 1947.  He preceded her in death on September 3, 2012.

She is survived by her children, Wayne Melkus of Hillsboro, MO; Gail (Dusty) Obermeyer of Festus, MO; and Gina Johnston of De Soto, MO; grandchildren, Stacey (Craig) Block of De Soto; Jeffrey (LeAnna) Obermeyer of Festus; Todd (Jennifer) Melkus of Hillsboro; and Josh Obermeyer of Festus; great grandchildren, Shelby Block, Jillian Obermeyer, Abby Obermeyer, and Mitchell Obermeyer; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Erna was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, George; and 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.

Erna was a member of Pilgrim’s Rest Church for over 70 years.  She loved teaching Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.  She was the President of W.M.U. for over 30 years.  She was a homemaker with a gift of hospitality.  She enjoyed feeding family, friends and her church family.  She also enjoyed quilting and gardening.

The family would like to thank the staff at Mercy Jefferson and St. Louis de Greeff Hospice House for their caring and support with Erna’s end of life care.

As an expression of sympathy memorial donations may be made to Pilgrim’s Rest Church Steeple fund for the repairs and replacement of the current steeple.