Grace M. Mellinger, 98, of Burlington, died Sunday, May 14, 2023, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.

Born May 29, 1924, in Louisa County, she was the daughter of Russell and Alice Cover Mehaffy. On Oct. 3, 1942, she married DeVon "Mel/Vonnie" Mellinger in Kahoka, Mo. He died on Nov. 27, 2014.

She worked at IAAP, Burlington Instrument Co., Ross Manufacturing Co., Sylvania, and Eklunds Ladies Fashions.

Grace was a member of Eastern Star #545 for many years and attended West Burlington United Methodist Church. She enjoyed traveling and boat trips with her husband up the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers. She also enjoyed bird watching, especially the hummingbirds and goldfinches. She was very fond of angels, chocolate, and the color red. Grace was classy and known for her elegant wardrobe and amazing style.

Survivors include one sister, Faye Fraise of West Point; two brothers, Ronald (Patty) Mehaffy of Burlington, and Donald (Carol) Mehaffy of Mount Pleasant; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, and two sisters.

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.

The Graveside Committal Service for Mrs. Mellinger will be 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at Aspen Grove Cemetery

A memorial has been established for the Special Needs Foundation.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://d2eftiauov6o73.cloudfront.net/public/2023/6/1686769793635.jpeg" alt="Grace M. Mellinger" />
 <figcaption>Grace M. Mellinger</figcaption>
 </figure>Grace M. Mellinger, 98, of Burlington, died Sunday, May 14, 2023, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Hospice House in West Burlington.Born May 29, 1924, in Louisa County, she was the daughter of Russell and Alice Cover Mehaffy. On Oct. 3, 1942, she married DeVon "Mel/Vonnie" Mellinger in Kahoka, Mo. He died on Nov. 27, 2014.She worked at IAAP, Burlington Instrument Co., Ross Manufacturing Co., Sylvania, and Eklunds Ladies Fashions.Grace was a member of Eastern Star #545 for many years and attended West Burlington United Methodist Church. She enjoyed traveling and boat trips with her husband up the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers. She also enjoyed bird watching, especially the hummingbirds and goldfinches. She was very fond of angels, chocolate, and the color red. Grace was classy and known for her elegant wardrobe and amazing style.Survivors include one sister, Faye Fraise of West Point; two brothers, Ronald (Patty) Mehaffy of Burlington, and Donald (Carol) Mehaffy of Mount Pleasant; and several nieces and nephews.Besides her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, one brother, and two sisters.Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.The Graveside Committal Service for Mrs. Mellinger will be 3 p.m. Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at Aspen Grove CemeteryA memorial has been established for the Special Needs Foundation.&nbsp;