Frances Magnetta “Maggie” Bellew Melhiser, 93, passed away February 25, 2020 in Petersburg, IN. She was born in West Louisville KY south of Owensboro on December 28, 1926 to Martin T. Bellew Anne Elizabeth Clayton. Maggies Mother died when she was 5. Maggie was raised by her mother’s parents, Dr. John M Clayton and Mary Monina Thompson (Mamma Dear). Her other grandparents were Lilian Catherine Carlin Bellew Powell and Martin Thaddeus Bellew.
Maggie Attended Alfonso Elementary School and graduated from Mount St Joseph Academy, West
Louisville Ky with her only sibling, her brother John M. Bellew. John M preceded her in death. Maggie
learned her Catholic religion from the Ursuline Sisters of Mt St Joseph. Maggie was a member of the St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Petersburg, Indiana.
Maggie traveled as a young girl with her brother to Indianapolis by train through Louisville to visit her father’s sister Estelle Bellew Harris (Auntie).
Maggie married James E (Jim) Melhiser Sr. on July 1 1950 in Owensboro, KY and they had 4 sons. James E. (Amy) Jr, David L (Shirley), John B (Teresa) , Joseph C. Melhiser.
Maggie was a mother, homemaker, wife and precious friend. Maggie never drove a car. Maggie quit the smoking habit when she was 73. Maggie was a widow for 34 years.
Maggie is survived by her sons, John (Teresa) Melhiser and Joeseph Melhiser; 12 Grandchildren. Dana (Mark) Kramer, J. Keith (Georgia) Melhiser, Erin (Brian) Willis, Jessica (Cody) Troutman , Andrea (Josh) Miley, Krissy Melhiser, Justin (Laci) Melhiser, Stella Melhiser, Jennifer Melhiser, Lucas (Skyla) Melhiser, Mark Melhiser, Jordan Melhiser.
Maggie is also survived by 15 Great Grandchildren: Colton Kirk, Mackenzie DeWeese, Morgan DeWeese, Madyson Hegedus, Lily Willis, Kennedy Willis, Emily Warner, Avery Melhiser, Reece Melhiser, Liam Melhiser, Sadie Willis, Taten Troutman, Paxton Melhiser, Brooks Miley, Adalyn Riley.
Maggie had 10 Clayton cousins who lived next door to her in West Louisville which she loved dearly.
Surviving are her brothers children, Nieces Allison Bellew, Bonnie Layton and Nephew J. Brian Bellew.
She is preceded in death by her husband, James E. “Jim” Melhiser; sons, James E. Jr. and David L. “Chip” Melhiser; grandchild, Marshall Melhiser; and her parents.
Services for Maggie will take place at 12 PM EST on Friday, February 28, at St. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Petersburg with visitation from 10 AM to 12 PM. Burial will follow the Mass at Walnut Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the St. Peter & Paul Catholic Church or PAWS and may be mailed to PO Box 217 in Petersburg, IN 47567. Harris Funeral Home is entrusted with care.
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