Melissa A. Castro

Melissa A. "Missy" Castro, age 40, of Mt. Carroll, died Sunday, November 7, 2010 as the result of a vehicle crash. A funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 12, 2010 at the Law-Jones Funeral Home, Mt. Carroll. Visitation will be held 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. Thursday, November 11, 2010 at the Funeral Home. Cremation will follow the services. In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has be established in Melissa's honor. Melissa was born November 1, 1970, the daughter of Sally Castro. She was raised in Savanna by her grandfather and grandmother, "Papa and Grammy", Manuel and Emelia Castro, Sr. Melissa is a 1988 graduate of Savanna High School and a 2007 graduate of Ashford University, Clinton, Iowa with a B.A. degree in Business.Melissa's life was filled-up by her two daughters, Erica and Sydney Castro. As a single mom, working two or three jobs, she always made sure her girls had what they needed. She loved watching them play sports and making the most of just hanging-out with her daughters. When Melissa was around you knew there would be lots of laughter and fun. Melissa enjoyed substitute teaching and also worked in banquet service at Eagle Ridge Resort near Galena. She will never forget how to laugh or smile and never failed to make others smile with her quick wit. Her family and friends meant the world to her, and she always lived her life to the fullest extent. Melissa will also be missed by two brothers, Larry and Sarah Rice, Jr. of Fulton and Rick and Lori Rice of Mt. Carroll; her sister, Charlotte Barr of rural Savanna; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. She is preceded in death by her grandfather, Manuel Castro, Sr; her stepfather, Larry Rice, Sr; and her great uncle, Charles Stallings.