WILLISVILLE – Melba Baker, 87 of Willisville, passed away at 12:05 pm, Wednesday, April 25, 2018, at Memorial Hospital in Chester.

Melba was born in Horse Prairie, Illinois, on March 13, 1931, the daughter of Edwin and Selma Goetting Salger.  She married Richard T. Baker on March 19, 1950, at Campbell Hill.  He preceded her in death on October 13, 2011.  Melba was a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church, Campbell Hill.  She was Homemaker.

Melba is survived by her children, Connie Jean (Edmond) DeRousse of Sparta and Robert Lynn (Cecilia Day) Baker of Willisville; four grandchildren, Richard (Yasuyo) DeRousse, Amanda (Bill) Westfall, Sarah (Greg) Jones and Michael (Jodi) Baker; and great grandchildren, Baxley DeRousse, Clayton, Kinley and Kambrey Westfall, Jordan, Rhett, Greta, and Embry Jones and Hunter and Claire Baker.

Melba was also preceded in death by her Parents; One brother, Elmer Salger; and one grandson, Edmond "Petey" DeRousse II. Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, on Monday, April 30, 2018, at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, with Rev. Alan Kornacki officiating.  Burial will follow at Percy Cemetery in Percy, Illinois.  Visitation will be at Wilson's Funeral Home, Ava, where friends may call on Sunday from 6 pm until 8 pm and on Monday from 7:30 am until the hour of service.  Memorials may be given to St. Peter Lutheran Church or Ava Food Pantry.