On Sunday, October 11, 2026, Melva Hyre surprised everyone by dying at the age of 70. Those who knew this tough old gal best surely thought she’d live forever. For maybe the first time in her life, it seems Melva was ahead of schedule.
Melva was always the life of the party and had many friends who were dear to her heart. She kept her friends close and her buds even closer. As many friends as Melva had, her family was always the most important to her, except for maybe her dogs or Dr Pepper. Melva was so very proud of all her children and grandchildren and spoke of them often. Melva was a beloved wife and wonderful mother and will be greatly missed.
Melva was born on July 1, 1955, to Deloris and Melvin Cranford in Chicago, Illinois, and they preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Gerald Cranford and Monty Cranford; her daughter, Stephanie Ralson Karl; and her son, Charles Hyre. Surviving her are her husband of 40 years, Mark Hyre of Lawrenceville, IL; her children & their spouses, Douglas & Irene Ralson (Biloxi, Mississippi), Sam & Michelle Hyre (Lawrenceville, Illinois), Charity & Joshua Keller (Fort Branch, Indiana); her grandchildren, Emily, Judy, Douglas Jr., and Ian Ralson (all of Biloxi, Mississippi), Emily, Shaina, Marcus, and Ryder Hyre (all of Lawrenceville, Illinois), and Kamron, Josiah, Xzavier, and Arabella Keller (all of Fort Branch, Indiana); as well as several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service officiated by Celebrant Curt Goodwine will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 20th, at the Oak Grove Cemetery, rural Palestine, IL. During the service, friends and family will be given the opportunity to share some of their favorite memories of Melva. The Goodwine Funeral Home in Palestine is assisting the family at this time.
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