Mrs. Ilse Emile Mello, age 89, passed away on Thursday, January 16, 2025. She was a loving, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who touched the lives of everyone she met.
Born on January 2, 1936, in Karlsruhe, Germany, daughter of Erwin B. Schonthaler and Gerthrud F. Schonthaler was a dedicated and loving wife to her husband of 67 years, George D. Mello. Together, they raised their children in Germany and the United States, creating a family that was centered on love and devotion.
Known affectionately as “Oma,” Ilse worked at the Redstone Arsenal Commissary for more than 20 years. She had a passion for baking cookies, pound cake, giving out German advent calendars at Christmas to every child she knew. She always found joy in giving to those she cared about. Her kindness, warmth, and generosity will be remembered by all who knew her.
Ilse’s legacy lives on through her beloved husband, George, her children Allen Mello (Vickie) of Huntsville, AL, Carolyn Smith (Dennis) of Carrollton, GA, Mary Wooley of Pelham, AL, and Tom Riley of Nevada, MO, as well as her 10 cherished grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Two sisters: Ruth Ahrenholz of Canada and Edith Gabriel of Germany. She is preceded in death by her parents and five siblings of Germany.
A visitation will be held at Laughlin Service Funeral Home on Monday, January 20th, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
In loving memory, Ilse will remain forever in the hearts of her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.