Polly Melchi

Pauline Fay “Polly” Melchi of Sturgis passed away early Wednesday morning, March 16, 2011, at her home.

She was born in Burr Oak,, a daughter of the late Charles Ray and Viola Waive (Reading) Scupholm.

Pauline had resided in the Sturgis and Burr Oak area her whole life.

She married Eugene Howard Melchi in Hopkinsville, Ky. He died April 25, 1945, in Italy due to injuries sustained while serving in the U.S. Army during World War II.

Following 36 years of dedicated employment with Sturgis Newport Business Forms in Sturgis she retired in 1985.

Pauline attended the Sturgis Evangelical Church and was a member of the Gold Star Wives of America. For many years she was a member of the Jay Stacy Band.

She is survived by one son, Eugene (Bobette) Melchi of Centreville; two granddaughters, Erika (Rob) Rozema of Zeeland and Erin (Kirby) Melchi-Baker of White Pigeon; two great-grandchildren, Sydney Davidson and Jack Rozema.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and one brother, Chester Scupholm.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will receive friends from 4-5 p.m. Friday at Hackman Family Funeral Homes — Hackman Chapel, 114 S. Nottawa St., Sturgis, where a memorial service celebrating the life of Pauline Melchi will begin at 5 p.m. Friday. The Rev. Roger Moyer of the Sturgis Evangelical Church will officiate. Private burial of the ashes will take place at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis.

The family suggests those wishing to make a memorial donation in Pauline’s memory consider Hospice of Sturgis, P.O. Box 126, Sturgis, MI 49091 or the Sturgis Evangelical Church, 29201 E. Fawn River Road., Sturgis, MI 49091.

Her obituary is also at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhome.com, where personal messages of support may be left for the family.