Melody S. Merrill, 55, of South Third Street, Niles died at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 27, 2010 at her home following an illness.

She was born July 29, 1954 in Niles to Donald B. Matthews Sr. and Patricia Ann Williams. She came to Niles 21 years ago from Dowagiac.

Melody was a certified nursing assistant, serving as a caregiver in home health care. She was also a hairdresser, serving in Niles and Dowagiac salons. She was a member of the Michiana Cruisers old cars club. She enjoyed all animals, but especially horses and dogs; interior design and decorating; and entertaining family and friends, for whom she was quite capable of cooking and baking in large quantities.

On Dec. 15, 1989 she married Arnold M. “Mac” Merrill, who survives.

She is also survived by a daughter, Tricia A. (Tim) Solloway of Niles; stepdaughter, Jenny (Alex) Dudley of Dowagiac; grandson, Michael S. Matthews; granddaughters, Alexis and Arlena Dudley; sister, Theresa (Reed) Carlton of Cassopolis; brother, Thomas (Chris) Matthews; many nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews; and many special “sons and daughters” in the neighborhood.

She is preceded in death by her father, Donald B. Matthews Sr., on Jan. 3, 1999; mother, Patrician A. Matthews, on Sept. 2, 1992; and brother, Donald B. Matthews Jr., on Nov. 29, 1999.

Services are pending and will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements were made by Halbritter Funeral Home, Niles.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lakeland Hospice.