STERLING – Martha M. Mellott, 85, of Sterling, passed away Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, Rockford, after a brief illness.

Martha was born June 12, 1926, in Sterling, the daughter of Phillip and Edna Ladenberger. She was a lifelong resident of Sterling. Martha married Raymond L. Mellott on Sept. 12, 1959, in Milledgeville. Martha and Raymond were married for 46 years. They had one child, Michael, of Sterling. She spent most of her life as a devoted wife and mother. Later in life, she worked with her husband, Raymond, owning and operating a cleaning service. She enjoyed seeing and spending time with her grandchildren; and when she was able, to go gambling at the casinos in the Quad Cities where she seemed to always have lots of luck.

Survivors include her son, Michael Mellott of Sterling; her siblings, Shirley Sanders and Jeannie O’Hare, both of Sterling, Doris Ewers of Milledgeville and Donald Ladenberger of Frankfort; and her grandchildren, Drake and Karlie Mellott of Sterling.

Martha was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Mellott; and her parents.

Cremation rites have been accorded. A gathering of family and friends to celebrate Martha’s life will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday at McDonald Funeral Home, Sterling.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to a charity of their choice in Martha’s memory.

Visit www.mcdonaldfuneralhomes.com to send condolences.