Melanie Banfield

Melanie Banfield, 82, formerly of Moline, died Friday, Aug. 25, 2023, at Wesley Village Retirement Center, Macomb, Illinois, where she moved in 2022 to be near her daughter.

The funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, at Esterdahl Mortuary & Crematory, Ltd., Moline. Visitation will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. before the service.

Melanie chose cremation. Her ashes will be planted with a tree.

Melanie was born on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 21, 1940, in Moline to LaVern and Vivian Jamieson. While working at the Rock Island Arsenal, she met her husband, Ronald Banfield, at an arsenal Christmas party. They were married on Dec. 1, 1962.

The couple was blessed with a daughter, Gina Banfield Anderson, Good Hope, Illinois, and a son, Jamie Banfield, Eldridge, Iowa. Melanie lost her husband and dancing partner when Ron died on Aug. 4, 1997. She enjoyed the activities of her five grandchildren while watching them grow up, and she didn’t think it was possible for a grandmother to love her grandchildren more than she did.

Melanie was a secretary for the Moline-Coal Valley School District for nearly 25 years, retiring in 2003. She loyally wore maroon and white to Moline High School every Friday game day for 17 years.

In her younger years, Melanie enjoyed boating and camping. She decorated her home for every season and holiday. She enjoyed playing the game 500 with her card club for more than 50 years.

Melanie was a member of Riverside United Methodist Church, Moline, and United Methodist Women.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Mark Anderson; son and Annette Carmody; grandchildren Collin Anderson, Indianapolis; Maren Anderson, Tampa; Sally Anderson, Good Hope; Brett Banfield, Moline; and Chad Banfield, Sherrard; brother- and sister-in-law Robert and Claudia Banfield, Mesa, Arizona; sister-in-law Gerry Bastian, Orem, Utah; 16 nieces and nephews; and cousin Marlene “Marnie” Coppens, Hampton, who was like a sister to her.

Memorial donations may be made to Riverside United Methodist Church or Wesley Village Retirement Center.

Memories may be shared on the tribute wall.

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