PEORIA - Melinda L. "Mel" Bohls (Johnson) of Peoria passed away Sunday, March 10, 2013, at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
Born Sept. 6, 1958, to Chuck and Shirley (Bill) Johnson, she married Eric M. Bohls on Aug. 16, 1985, and gave birth to her daughter and best friend, Sarah A Bohls, on Feb. 17, 1988.
They survive along with her parents; sister, Ellen (Ron) Hawotte; brother, Timothy Johnson; seven nieces; four nephews; and five great-nieces and great-nephews.
She was preceded in death by her maternal and paternal grandparents; her mother-in-law, Aggie Bohls; and her Big Unc.
Melinda was an active member of her church who placed great belief in her faith to help guide her throughout her life. She lived by her motto "that you can only accept what God has given you and enjoy every day." Her family and friends were everything to her.
Throughout her 10-year battle with cancer she has been an inspiration to everyone she came across through her courage and strength by which she lived her life. She always had a smile on her face and a laugh on her lips despite what she was going through.
She gave meaning to the saying "Live your life to the fullest." She will be greatly missed, but remembered by the many people whose lives she has touched during her life on earth.
Mel wanted to extend her gratitude to everyone who has shown her love and support throughout her battle with cancer and wanted everyone to remember, "TFS!".
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Illinois Cancer Center.
Visitation is to be held Thursday, March 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Peoria. The funeral services will begin Friday, March 15, at 10 a.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church. Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria is in charge of arrangements.
Please view Melinda's obituary online at www.Davison-FultonWood-landChapel.com.

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Randy and Julie (Maholic) Wright
March 15, 2013
I knew Mel in high school. She was funny, sweet and a hoot to be around.
Jill Levene
March 15, 2013
To my friend Ellen, Mr. and Mrs. Johnson and all of Mel's family and friends: I was so saddened when I heard Mel had died, I am very sorry I will not be there to give all of you hugs. I am sure Ellen and I drove her big sister, Mel, crazy when we were little annoying kids. Mel is remembered with great fondness.
Brad Martinez
March 14, 2013
I've known Melinda since my teen years and she was one of the sweetest people I've ever met. Her daughter and I have been friends for years and I spent a lot of time around Melinda and she was always kind and willing to help anyone.
Amanda Dittman
March 14, 2013
Mel, I have missed you since the days of Dex and I was glad we were able to reconnect through Facebook. I loved reading your stories about you and yoru family. Blessing to your family during this time. I know you will be watching over them.
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Lana Kindel
March 14, 2013
I worked with Mel for many years at Donnelley (Dex). I was very fortunate to know her - she was so positive and always so happy. She will be missed,but her smile will remain forever.
Ron Vorrath
March 14, 2013
Eric and Sarah, Mel was a wonderful person and was always such a positive and caring person. She will be greatly missed.
March 14, 2013
Our Thought and Prayers to the entire Family on your loss, God Bless each of you and remember Melinda will always be in your hearts.
Quiet Pride MC, Glasford, IL
Mark Gresham
March 14, 2013
Eric,
I am truly saddened to hear about the passing of your beloved wife and my dear friend Mel. I know we have drifted apart over the years, but we still share a common bond and that is the love and friendship that Melinda so graciously showered upon all those she met. God truly has a special woman in his presence. Eric,please remember ,when things seem to difficult to handle, remember the good times you shared with Mel, and find comfort in your family, friends and the Lord. May God Bless you and your family.
Patty Knight-Isit
March 13, 2013
Eric, so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Patty Barton
March 13, 2013
Eric, I'm very sorry for the loss of your wife Melinda...she sounds like a truly wonderful person who was loved by so many. My prayers are with you and your daughter. God Bless.
Patty Seiler Barton
Celeste Cecil
March 13, 2013
God bless Mel for sharing her precious life & faith to all.She is an angel in Heaven. Blessings to all who mourn, may all have peace of heart thru precious memories.
Jill Meints
March 13, 2013
Melinda was always a ray of sunshine whenever I saw her. God bless her family during this time of loss. She is, no doubt, making people smile and laugh in heaven.
Deb Jacobson Watts
March 13, 2013
Prayers going heaven bound for friends and loved ones...praying you will find comfort through your pain in the knowledge that our sweet sister in Christ is safely in His arms.
Deb Watts RHS Class '76
Heather Randolph
March 13, 2013
Mel was a wonderful lady. From the moment I met her I could see that she was a special person. No matter what was going on in her life she was smiling. She will be greatly missed. Eric and Sarah...I am sorry for your loss.
Scott Bader
March 13, 2013
The class of 76 (Richwoods) lost a great classmate and friend but she was a true inspiration to us all in her fight and in her faith.
Joel Simons
March 13, 2013
To Mel's entire family and friends, may the Lord give you comfort. I was in HS history at RHS with her. Though I was a shy wallflower, Mel reached out to me, laughed with me. I only reconnected through Facebook, and learned about the struggle she was going through and yet she still managed to be positive through it all. I will miss this wonderful lady's spirit who is gone too soon. She lost her battle with cancer, but now has the victory of eternal life. May God bless her family as they mourn their loss.
March 13, 2013
I am so sorry to hear this, she was so brave. I was her Fed Ex driver when she worked for DEX , she was one of my best customers and would always make the day a great one.
Karen Kenser
March 13, 2013
My prayers and thoughts go out to Melinda's family. I worked with Melinda at Cohen's years ago. She was a sweet person and I will remember her always as a friend. May God be with you at this time.
Karen Kenser
Ann Ford
March 13, 2013
Ellen and family, We are sorry to hear of the loss of your sister. You have our prayers and sympathy. Mike and Ann Ford
Sarah Bohls
March 13, 2013
I love you, mama.
Kathy Backes Worley
March 13, 2013
Eric, I am so sorry to hear about your wife. She sounds like a pretty amazing woman. You and your daughter will be in my prayers.
Jill Murphy
March 13, 2013
My deepest sympathy to Melinda's family. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and prays. I am a friend of Pat Bachman who knows the Johnsons thru IL Cancer Care. Sincerely, Jill Murphy
March 13, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Melinda as a young girl and what a sweet girl she was. She will be missed.
Karin Domenighini McAvoy
March 13, 2013
May the memories of this special family member forever sustain your loss. God bless you.
Jane Johnson
March 13, 2013
To Ellen and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.
John & Kathy Dolman
March 13, 2013
Sorry to hear of Melinda's passing your entire family is in our prayers. I remember when we participated in Relay for life and she spoke to our group in Eureka. Also, to Chuck and Shirley our camping friends you are in our prayers.
Timmerly Eklund
March 13, 2013
I was so fortunate to have known Mel. She made my days brighter, as I know she did for you. Sarah, you were the absolute light of her life. Eric, I know that she loved you so very much. If there are angels, I'm sure that she is one, and that she will not leave you. My thoughts are with you in your time of grief.
Dian (Karl) Nielsen
March 13, 2013
Eric, so very sorry for your loss. I will keep you in my thoughts & prayers.
Christy Coogan Frampton
March 12, 2013
Eric, so so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to you.
Julie Strassburger Peterburs
March 12, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you.
Julie Peterburs
March 12, 2013
Eric, my deepest condolences on your loss. I will keep you and your family in my prayers
Julie Strassburger Peterburs
Kevin Cassidy
March 12, 2013
Eric, may God and the prayers of the class of 79 be with you. You are in my prayers.
March 12, 2013
Melinda was the "life of the party" in the treatment rooms on Wednesdays. She always had a smile & laugh that was contagious. I enjoyed her stories and what current books she was reading. She was a woman of strength, courage, and grace. She was loved by many and will be deeply missed. She has forever left her mark on our hearts. It was an honor to have treated her for so many years. She always talked highly of her family who she loved deeply. She will now be our angel from above. God Bless you all. Lisa Doubet RN
March 12, 2013
Eric and family, I am in Florida, but heard about Melinda. So sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mary Adlington
Denise Eaton Conner
March 12, 2013
Eric, my condolences on your loss. My prayers are with you and your family. Peace.
Sharon Meredith
March 12, 2013
Mel and I worked together for nearly 20 years at DEX, just different locations. She always made me smile or laugh and always had a positive attitude on everything in life including her battle with cancer. Mel, may God's arms welcome you with love and allow you to finally be pain free. May the arms of comfort also hold your family tight for the loss they will be feeling.
Tina Allen
March 12, 2013
Meinda was the stongest lady that the Lord created. My prayers and thoughts are with the whole family.
Ellen Coombes Pipkin
March 12, 2013
My deepest sympathies on your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family and friends.
Megan Meyer
March 12, 2013
Mel was one of the finest people I've ever known, especially in terms of her courage and character. A complete sweetheart, through and through. She would do anything for you, and you knew it. Mel, we will miss you tremendously, but I know there was a party in Heaven awaiting your arrival!!!
Chris Ardis
March 11, 2013
Eric, I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your beloved wife. From everything I have read, I really missed out by not knowing Melinda.
God bless you. Prayers from Texas surround you.
Kenny Roberts
March 11, 2013
Eric and Family,
Remember the laughter, the smiles, the fun. Charish the memories. Lean on friends and family and know everyone is here to support and help as they can. I am so thankful to have met you at work and I hope I can continue to be a part of your life. I will continue to pray for your family. God bless you all.
March 11, 2013
When I first met Mel she offered me a ride home from the bowling alley. Once in the car she said "Tell Eric how great married life is, because I'm not getting any younger!" Well I did tell him how great it was, because I knew he shouldn't let someone like her get away.
Thank you for making him so happy, Mel. We will all miss you so much.
Dan Powers
March 11, 2013
Eric, Sarah and family
Mark and I were devastated to get Ron's call yesterday. We love Melinda dearly and this world will not be the same without her in it. You are in our thoughts and prayers. If you need anything please call us. Mark & Deb Shanahan
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Funeral services provided by:
Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel2021 North University Street, Peoria, IL 61604

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