Melissa Sue “Missy” Houmes, 44, of Watseka passed away on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago. She was born on March 26, 1981 in Watseka, the daughter of Paul and Carol (Hillary) Houmes.
She is survived by her parents, Paul and Carol Houmes of Watseka; one brother, Barry (Lyndsey) Houmes of Rochester, IL; one sister, Jennifer (Josh) Hardebeck of Morocco, IN; three nephews, Nathan Houmes, Ryan Houmes, and Wyatt Hardebeck; one niece, Morgan Hardebeck; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friends from the ARC.
Melissa was preceded in passing by both sets of grandparents, as well as several aunts and uncles.
Missy was a big Winnie the Pooh fan, enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her nephews, and loved going out to eat and getting her beer pop (root beer).
Funeral mass will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at St. Edmund Catholic Church in Watseka. Fr. Michael Powell will officiate. Burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery in Watseka.
Visitation will be from 9:30-11:00 am at the church on Saturday.
Memorials may be made to the ARC of Iroquois County or to the donor’s choice.
Please share a memory of Melissa at knappfuneralhomes.com.
