STILES, Melinda Ann (Martzahn) 1969-2013

STILES, MARTZAHN, OCONNOR

Posted By: COUNTY COORDINATOR
Date: 12/29/2013 at 00:44:10

Melinda Ann Stiles

NORA SPRINGS, IOWA - Melinda Ann Stiles, 44, of Nora Springs, died Wednesday, December 25, 2013, at the Cancer Treatment Center of America, Zion, Illinois, after a courageous 6½-year battle with cancer.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 30, 2013, at Grace Evangelical Free Church, 440 N. Illinois Ave., with Pastor Scott Davis officiating. Interment will be in Park Cemetery, Nora Springs.

Visitation will be from 3 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Major Erickson Funeral Home, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave.

Memorials may be directed to the Melinda Stiles Memorial Fund.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com .

Melinda was born on September 9, 1969, in Charles City, the daughter of Roger and Mary Ann (O’Connor) Martzahn. She graduated from Greene High School in 1988 and North Iowa Area Community College (NIACC) in 1989.

Melinda married Thad Stiles November 18, 1989, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Greene. She was employed by OmniTel Communications, Nora Springs, for 14 years, working as their billing manager.

Melinda was diagnosed with cancer 6½ years ago. She never complained about her illness, instead, remained positive throughout her battle, often telling family and friends, “it is what it is”. She was a tough mother devoted to her family and determined to watch her boys grow up.

Melinda had an amazing sense of humor to the very end. She was a devout Christian and as one friend put it, “one organized woman.” A few of her interests included reading, camping and time spent with family and friends.

Melinda is survived by her husband, Thad of Nora Springs; two sons, Ryan and Matt of Nora Springs; parents, Roger and Mary Ann Martzahn of Greene; brothers, Rick (Jane) Martzahn of Greene, Roland (Deanne) Martzahn of Greene, and Joe Martzahn of West Des Moines; sister, Michelle (Faron) Jensen of Greene; many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; special family friends, Brad (Jeannie) Shanks of Nora Springs.

Melinda was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Roy and Jeanette Martzahn; maternal grandparents, Richard and Myrtle O’Connor; aunt, Janice DeVries.

Arrangements are with Major Erickson Funeral Home & Crematory, 111 N. Pennsylvania Ave., Mason City, IA 50401, 641-423-0924, www.majorericksonfuneralhome.com .

Source: Mason City Globe Gazette, 29 DEC 2013