Melinda L. Vallow Obituary (1956 - 2017)

Melinda L. Vallow, 61, of Pontiac, passed away Saturday, November 11, 2017 at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pontiac with Father David Sabel officiating. Cremation rites will follow the service with inurnment at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, November 17, 2017 at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Pontiac. Visitation will be Wednesday, November 15, 2017 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home in Pontiac with the Rosary at 3:30 p.m. Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Funeral Home, Pontiac, is in charge of arrangements. Melinda was born April 4, 1956 in Savannah, Georgia to Mack and Verna (Ruddock) Hutchison. She married W. Michael Vallow on August 24, 1990. He survives in Pontiac. Also surviving is her son, Richard (Christy) Rients of Saunemin; brothers, Mack (Karen) Hutchison of Pontiac and Dale (Letitia) Hutchison of Pontiac; sister, LaVerna (Warren) Stone of Cheyenne, WY; grandchildren, Stephen Schwartz and Cody Rients; mother-in-law, Lela M. Vallow of Morris, IL; and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and her father-in-law, William Vallow. Melinda worked at Interlake Steel in the factory. She later worked as a waitress and then in retail as the Manager of Fashion Bug in Pontiac for many years until the store's closing. She was a fan of racing as the co-owner of Vallow Body and Chassis Shop in Pontiac where she enjoyed interaction with her many racing customers and friends. Melinda was a devout catholic convert and an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Pontiac. She quietly helped many to know our Lord through her actions. She greatly enjoyed the company of her cats. She was a very accomplished cook, baker, and candy maker; being well known for her English Toffee. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Mary's Catholic Church, 101 E. Howard Street, Pontiac, IL 61764 or the Livingston County Humane Society, 21179 N 1358 East Road, Pontiac, IL 61764. Online condolences may be made to the family at duffyfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.