Melody Ann Smelser, 79, of LaFontaine, passed away on Oct. 21. Born to Millicent Arlene Music and Lawrence Costello in Roy, New Mexico, on Oct. 4, 1944, Melody lived most of her life in rural Indiana. After graduating from Lancaster High School in Huntington County, she married her high school sweetheart, Marvin Glassburn, who died in 1966 while serving in Vietnam. In 1967, she married Jerry Lee Smelser, who preceded her in death in 2020.

Melody earned her bachelor's degree from Marion College (Indiana Wesleyan University) and her master's from St. Francis University. She taught art for 26 years in the Huntington school system. After retiring, she continued her artistic endeavors by learning how to quilt, teaching her grandchildren how to make pottery, creating artwork with mixed media, and most recently, turning pinecones from the family farm into seasonal home décor.

An active member of the Marie Webster Quilt Guild, Melody used her talents to support the guild and The Quilters Hall of Fame. Each year during the Hall of Fame's Celebration, she displayed her latest masterpiece while enjoying the works of fellow quilters.

Melody and Jerry were long time members of Lakeview Wesleyan Church in Marion.

In addition to her parents and husbands, her siblings William Costello, Michael Costello, Katherine Donaldson and Mark Moorman preceded her in death.

Melody is survived by her children, Andrew (Amy) of LaFontaine, Jeff Glassburn of Jonesboro and Beth (Terry) Buhler of Georgetown, Ky.; siblings George (Amy) Moorman of Holland, Mich., Ruth Ann Moorman of Muncie, and Sue (Alain) Lessard of Berlin, N.H.; 10 grandchildren, two grandchildren-in-law, and four great grandchildren; as well as several nieces and nephews, extended Glassburn and Smelser family members, and cherished close friends.

A viewing for family and friends will be held on Sunday, Oct. 29, from 2-5 p.m. at Glancy Funeral Home (203 N. Matilda St., Warren) with the funeral on Monday, Oct. 30, at 10 a.m. at Solid Rock Church (485 Bennet Dr., Warren) with the Rev. George Cecil officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Etna Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, friends and family may make donations to The Quilter's Hall of Fame in Melody's memory, P.O. Box 681 Marion, IN 46952.

Glancy Funeral Home in Warren, Ind., is entrusted with the services.