Barbara J. Melby, 91, of Chippewa Falls, passed away Thursday, July 31, 2025 at her residence surrounded by her loving family under the care of St. Croix Hospice.

                Barbara was born March 13, 1934 in Mondovi, the daughter of C. Rex and Meredith (Ward) Amundson.

                Barbara married Lester Asmussen, Jr. Together they had three children, Vickie, Michael and Cheryl. In 1962 Barbara married Robert C. Melby and they had three children, Dawn, Diane and Gayle. Bob passed away on July 7, 1996.

                 Barbara was a life member of the VFW and American Legion, Auxiliary 829 Letter Carriers.

                Barbara held 15 different jobs during her lifetime and enjoyed traveling to Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Alaska, Mexico and she took many cruises and motorhome to all fifty states.

                Barbara is survived by one son, Michael (Kathy) Asmussen of Eau Claire; and daughters, Diane Ziebell of Chippewa Falls, Cheryl (George) Brock of Chippewa Falls, and Gayle (Mitch) Clark of Alda, NE; 8 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren; sisters, Mary Jo Rathke of Eau Claire and Sharon (Jerry) Rathke of Minong and Janice (Gary) Gullikson of Machesney Park, IL.

                Barbara was preceded in death by three daughters, Vickie Ellis, Dawn Melby and Donna (Ronald) Ganong; her two husbands; her parents; one brother, Don (Mary Jo) Amundson; two sons-in-law, Charles Ellis and Lloyd Ziebell; brother-in-law, Steve Rathke; grandson, Jeffrey Ellis; nephews, Christopher and Greg Ganong, Troy Gullikson, Todd Amundson; and great niece, Christina Ziska.

                A Memorial service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 12 at Faith Lutheran Church in Chippewa Falls. Inurnment will be in Rest Haven Cemetery in Eau Claire, town of Washington, at a later date.

                Visitation will be held at 11:30 a.m. until the time of services at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 12 at Faith Lutheran Church in Chippewa Falls.

AFTER SERVICE NOTICE: 

A Memorial service for Barbara J. Melby was held at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, August 12 at Faith Lutheran Church in Chippewa Falls.

Rev. Dr. Daniel Wonderly officiated at the service.

Music during the service was provided by Deborah Fredrickson-Collar, Andy and Sydney Stoll and Sarah Ohr played the harp.

Urn bearers were Andy Belger, Justin Ellis, Brody and Colby Stoll.