Melinda Jo Ketelsen JOHNSON

JOHNSON, Melinda Jo Ketelsen (née), 60, entered into eternal rest September 22, 2016 after a three year battle with lung cancer. Born in St Louis, the family relocated to Aurora, IL in 1967. Melinda entered her life's work as a nurse specializing in the NICU, spending 30 years at Delnor Hospital in Geneva, IL, and five years at UMC in Tucson, AZ. Her compassion and caring is revealed by the multitude of former patients, parents, co-workers and friends that love and care for her dearly. She is survived by her beloved husband, Dean in Tucson; her sister, Mary Alice "Maj" (Jeff) Williams of Sugar Grove, IL; nieces, Robin Johnson and Kathy Pelanek; nephews, Trés Johnson and Rick (Susan) Pelanek, and numerous nieces and nephews and relatives by marriage from the Ketelsen and Johnson family, and many dear friends and former co-workers. Preceded in death by her parents, Richard L. and Alice Mary Johnson; her brother, Richard L. Johnson Jr. and her sister, Susan Mary Charles. A Memorial will be held at Abbey Funeral Chapel, 3435 N. 1st at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 1, 2016, followed by a celebration of love at El Saguarito Restaurant, 1763 E. Prince Road. Charitable donations may be made in her name to your local animal shelter, or to Hope Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 1996, Cortaro, AZ 85652. Arrangements by ABBEY FUNERAL CHAPEL.