Mary Rita Mellinger

      Mary Rita Mellinger, 67, of Burlington and formerly of West Burlington, died at 5:47 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2000, at Great River Medical Center.

      The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 6, at Lunning Chapel in Burlington with the Rev. Terry Terrell officiating. Visitation will be after 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 5, at Lunning Chapel, with the family present from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery of Burlington. A memorial has been established.

      Ms. Mellinger was born Jan. 13, 1933, at Burlington, the daughter of Chester and Pauline Mack Mason. She graduated from Burlington High School in 1951 and worked as a bookkeeper for Apps Music House, retiring from Antenna Craft. She formerly attended Sts. Mary and Patrick Catholic Church.

      Survivors include three daughters, Kay Smith of New London and Jackie McClellon and Sarah Maxwell, both of Burlington; a sister, Marian Long of Burlington; three brothers, LeRoy Mason of Baraboo, Wisc., Kenny Mason of Fort Madison and Richard Mason of Forest City; and five grandchildren. She was preceded in death by both parents.