Melissa Jane Bunting -Barley – Reed, 74

DOB- June 26 1951 – June 20, 2026, she passed away in her sleep from a massive heart attack.

Celebration of life will be held at her daughters home on Saturday, June 27, 2026 at 3:00 PM

If wanting to attend, send, flowers or contributions, please contact Billie Tibbs at 1(309)863-7708.

Melissa was married to Michael Gene Calhoun- father of her two sons.

And was married and widowed to Roger Warren Barley - her soulmate

Also married and widowed to Robert Binner, Bunting- her companion

Melissa had two sons, Vance Calhoun, and Victor Calhoun; daughter, Billie Tibbs; grandchildren: Noah Calhoun, Ian Calhoun, Gavin Calhoun, Tayler Bickel, Madilynn Van Loo, and Peyton Tibbs; she was also anticipating to be a great grandmother with two babies on the way.

She graduated from Pekin community high school and went on after raising her two sons to graduate from Illinois Central College for data entry.

Melissa worked as a secretary for a couple local churches. She also wrote a children’s book and made a name for herself as a seamstress with her own business and she was also a homemaker.

Her favorite hobbies were cooking and baking, especially for her family and friends. One of her favorite pastimes was antiquing and thrifting, where she never could pass up a good deal. She loved rummaging through the isles, and her eyes would light up when she found any of her treasured collectibles whether it be glass shoes, David Winter cottages, time period paintings, or black cat anything. She loved to and spent many hours sitting under the glow of her crafting light, stitching together, one-of-a-kind pieces. In earlier years she spent many weekends dressed as the bell of the ball, while Civil War reenacting with friends and family. As her life changed, she always made her house a home by filling the landscape full of flowers and carving out a little spot for her proud vegetable garden. She Loved curling up on the couch Cuddling with her four beloved cats with a good book or a Hallmark movie.

She was a woman who knew no strangers and made anyone who came across her path feel like family. She knew no difference between blood or kinship, excepting every step child and step grandchild as her own. Melissa always figured out a way to help anyone with her big heart and her spunky, charismatic personality.

Melissa ‘s family would like to thank Henry Dennis for all of the care and kindness he and his family gave to Miss Melissa. Fitch-Hillis Funeral Home is assisting with all arrangements.

Condolences may be made online at www.fitchhillisfh.com or on the Fitch-Hillis Facebook page.