Melody Jane "Mel" Zech, 71 of Rantoul, died at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, 2026, at her home.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 2, 2026, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 108 E. Church Street, Gifford.

Visitation will be 1½ hours before the funeral service from 9:30-11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the church.  The family is requesting that all attendees wear purple or bright colors to the services. Baier Family Funeral Services, Paxton is handling arrangements.

Mel was born June 27, 1954, in Rantoul the daughter of Norman and Welma Joyce Collins Zech.

She is survived by her daughter, Courtney Zech of Rantoul; three grandchildren, Lucas (Destiny), Landon and Lakyn Zech; two great granddaughters, Luna and Lily and one great granddaughter on-the-way; three sisters, Sandy (Karl) Hesterberg of Gifford, Sue (Jerry) Flier of Pekin, Sharon (Dan) Garls of Kentucky; numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and one nephew.

Mel graduated from Rantoul Twp High School in 1972.  She attended Parkland College and Eastern Illinois University.  While living in Florida, Mel worked at a Mental Health Hospital for kids and her love of working with at-risk youth blossomed.  She enjoyed her time helping others at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. She retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield to stay at home with the family she loved.

She was a baptized and confirmed member of the American Lutheran Church, Rantoul. Her faith remained an important part of her whole life.

Mel went by many names, but her favorite names were Mom, Nana and Mason's Aunt Mel. She enjoyed almost all sports. Mel loved coaching her grandsons, their friends and her favorite nephew, Mason; even when she wasn't the official coach.  And she always had a game rule book handy for those who she thought needed a refresher. She also enjoyed woodworking, which she passed on to her oldest grandson. Her family and friends will all miss her huge smile, contagious laugh, sassy nature and her willingness to believe that good exists in everyone.

Memorials may be made to her family.  Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.