Obituary of Melissa Ciota

Melissa Ciota (nee Marr) Age 75, passed away peacefully Saturday, August 11, 2012 at her residence. She was the daughter of George and Audrey Marr of Pleasant Plains, IL, born October 23, 1936. She grew up on the family farm near Springfield and attended local schools graduating from New Berlin High School in 1954. She then attended Illinois State University where she was an honorary member of Sigma Tau Delta, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree. She also met her husband Robert there. She later earned her Master's Degree from Governor's State. She began her teaching career at Springfield High School in Springfield, IL. She thoroughly enjoyed teaching particularly the lesson, presenting the lesson and interacting with her students. She also taught at Virden High School, Mazon Junior High School and Shabbona Junior High School in Morris retiring in 1994. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and served as deacon and elder. She was a member of the honorary teacher organization Delta Kappa Gamma for over 25 years. She loved gardening and served as vice president of the Morris Garden Club as well as serving as chairperson of the garden walk for several years. She also played tennis regularly with three of her friends. She enjoyed reading and was an avid reader of all kinds of books. She played the piano and appreciated all types of music. She also played bridge for many years. Her special loves were her children and grandchildren. She was devoted to them all and they were devoted to her. She is survived by her three sons, Steven (Lisa) Ciota of Downers Grove, Mark (Allison) Ciota of Albert Lea, MN and Douglas (Catherine) Ciota of Willow Springs; seven grandchildren, Alexandra, Rebecca, Morgan, David, Gianna, Savannah and Michael Ciota. Other survivors include her sister, Marjorie Sebring of Springfield; several nieces, Melissa Freeman of AR, Renea LeMar of Chatham, Alicia Boesdorfer of Auburn and Sara Conwill of Modesto; two nephews, Randy Marr of Springfield and Jason Marr of Pleasant Plains and two sisters-in law, Nancy Marr of Pleasant Plains and Jeanne Marr Fagg of Springfield. She is also survived by her good friend and companion Don Harvey. He was her volunteer caregiver. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert (1991); her parents, George and Audrey Marr; two brothers, George, Jr. and Thomas Marr and one brother in-law, Charles Sebring. Memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Morris or to the donor's choice. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 25, 2012 at First Presbyterian Church 200 E. Jackson Street, Morris, where visitation will take place from 10 a.m. until the services begin at the church at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Arrangements by, Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, Morris (815) 942-5040