Melora Bernice Fornoff

1921 - 2010

Melora Bernice Fornoff passed away peacefully on August 2, 2010 at 12:15 a.m. at her home with her immediate family present.

Laura, as she was known, was born May 10, 1921 to Olen W. and Rachel Jockish Burgett.

She married Nelson H. Fornoff on February 14, 1940 at Fort Madison, Iowa. Laura and Nelson farmed in Tazewell, Mason and Fulton counties all of their 70 years together.

She is survived by her husband, Nelson and sons Dave (companion Donna Russell of Havana), James of Havana, daughter Laurel Ann Finch (husband Leon) of Suwanee, Georgie, and brother Olen Burgett Jr. of Canton.

Also surviving are grandchildren: Grant Fornoff (wife Kim); Shelley Beth Scaggs, husband James; Mark Fornoff; Lynn Fornoff, companion Jay McKee; Wade Fornoff, wife Daun; Megan Fornoff; Gina Youmans, husband Scott; Evan Finch, wife Bennie and 11 great grandchildren and 3 step great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by one brother, Victor W. Burgett, three sisters, Jessie Lashrook, Lucille Farnam and Phyllis Jean Heitz and one great granddaughter Ameila Diekhoff.

Laura was a faithful and dedicated homemaker with many friends who showered her with cards, letters and visits throughout the years. She was a loving Christian mother, grandmother and aunt. She was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church at Bath, Illinois. She leaves a wonderful legacy of memories.

Visitation will be at Hurley Funeral Home in Havana from 5:30 until 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, August 4, 2010. Funeral services will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 5, 2010. Burial will follow the services at St. John’s Cemetery. Rev. Brian Lesemann will officiate.

Memorial contributions may be made to her church. Online memorial messages may be left for the family at www.hurleyfh.com.

Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.