Melinda and Jaxson Cullen

Melinda Cortez-Cullen

Age 38 of Coal City, along with her son Jaxson Cash Cullen, passed away tragically Tuesday March 6, 2018 as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident.

Born January 1, 1980, Melinda is the daughter of Roberto and Teresa (Valdez) Cortez of Diamond. She was raised and educated in Coal City, where she enjoyed playing basketball, participated in vocal competitions, and was a member of the Math Team. Melinda graduated from Coal City High School with the Class of 1998, and went on to earn her Bachelor's Degree in Communications from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. Melinda formerly worked for Commscope Technologies in Joliet, and was currently employed with Panduit in Tinley Park. She was a member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church in Coal City.

A woman of strong will, Melinda loved to cook and had a smile that could lighten up any room.  She also made special time for her family or anyone in need. Family was of utmost importance to her, and she will most be remembered as a devoted mother that leaves behind a beautiful family that will miss her very much.

Survivors include her parents, Roberto and Teresa Cortez; husband David Cullen, whom she married October 23, 2015; three children: Arianna Paige Mierzwa, Olivia Delaney Mierzwa and Katrina Quinn Cullen; one brother: Javier Cortez; her niece and nephew: Owen Robert Cortez and Annabelle Elizabeth Cortez; aunts and uncles: Carmen (Ben) Minor, Eddie (Kathy) Valdez, Jesse Valdez, Max (Laura) Valdez, Manuel Ramat, Medardo (the late Julia) Cortez, Serafin (Mary) Cortez, and Roy (Judy) Cortez; her father-in-law: Charles (Peg) Cullen, and three sisters-in-law: April Highbaugh, Brenda (Terry) Briscoe, and Cindy (Paul) Hanley.

Melinda was preceded in death by her grandparents: Martha C. Ramat and Moises and Adela Cortez; aunts and uncles: Moises Cortez, Adela Becerra, Estella Pena and Jovita Reyes, and her mother-in-law: Janet Cullen.

The family will receive friends to recite the rosary at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 9, 2018 at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block North of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City. Visitation will then continue until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will follow Saturday morning March 10, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, 215 South Kankakee Street, in Coal City at 10:00 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Robert Noesen presiding. Burial will be in Braceville Gardner Cemetery, and pallbearers will be Roberto Cortez, Teresa Cortez, Javier Cortez, Terry Briscoe, James Briscoe and Paul Hanley.

Family and friends may sign the online guest book, upload photographs or share Melinda and Jaxson’s memorial page by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. (815) 634-2125