Obituaries

June Marie Esson Melton

Photo of June Marie Esson Melton
June Marie Essen Melton, 94, of New Bloomfield, Missouri, passed away peacefully into the arms of her Lord on Friday, August 12, 2022. She was born on October 16, 1927, in St. Louis, Missouri, a daughter of the late Thomas Jasper and Alice (Sloas) Hayes. She was united in marriage to Malcolm Essen in 1947, and of that union were born nine children. Malcolm preceded her in death on July 12, 1978. June married Milburn Erhardt in 1981, who preceded her in death in 1988. She was united in marriage to Denver Melton on September 6, 1989, who passed away in 1994. June was a 1945 graduate of Fairview High School in Jennings, Missouri. She continued her education and earned her Nursing Degree from Jewish Hospital Nursing School (now known as Barnes Jewish Hospital) in 1952. She began her career as a Registered Nurse in hopes of serving in the Army Nursing Corps, however the war ended before her graduation. She would continue to dedicate her life to the healthcare field. June earned her fifty years of nursing certificate and was extremely proud of her accomplishments, including being recognized in numerous editions of Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare. June was a regular volunteer nurse for the Red Cross throughout her life and aided in disaster relief domestically. She taught GED classes, as well as nursing courses at the University of Missouri. She was also very proud to serve as a parish nurse. June was a charter member of Grace Lutheran Church where she was an active and loyal member, as well as an early supporter of Calvary Lutheran High School. She was part of Lutheran Services, providing missionary work in Togo, Africa and Ysleta Mission in El Paso, Texas where she served communities in Mexico. She was involved in receiving shipments from orphanage trains, taking shipments of bibles to Jamacia, and Laborers for Christ; an organization assisting in the building of new churches throughout the United States. She donated the chimes to Grace Lutheran Church and she and her children donated the church steeple. Not only was June a proud nurse and member of her church community, but she also had the privilege of raising 6 wonderful children. Her family stems far and wide and is proof of the love she has for them. June enjoyed fishing, sewing, knitting, vegetable gardening, playing Bingo, playing Scrabble, and puzzles. June is survived by her sons, William (Brenda) Essen, Terrence (Rebekah) Essen, and Mark Essen; daughters, Alison Jenkins, Cathleen (Melvin) Miles, and Melodie (James) Vinyard; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by twin boys, Michael Frederick Essen and unnamed son, and another baby boy; special aunt, Pasha Sloas; and grandson, Patrick Essen. Friends will be received on Friday, August 19, 2022 from 4:00 -6:00 p.m. at Slater-Millard Funeral Family Funeral Chapel, 540 South Summit Dr., Holts Summit, MO 65043. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 618 Halifax Road, Holts Summit, MO 65043. Burial will follow at Essen Cemetery in Wildwood, Missouri. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to Grace Lutheran Church. Arrangements are under the direction of SLATER-MILLARD Family Funeral Chapel, 540 South Summit Drive, Holts Summit, MO 65043. (573) 896-5959. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com

Published August 17, 2022