"It's M-E-L-E-D-Y, because my parents just had to be different." Perhaps Jack and Helen knew exactly what they were doing when they named their youngest child, as her sweet southern drawl was musical even when she was angry (which wasn't often). I could give you all the ordinary details of Meledy's life- where she was born, graduated high school, worked, etc. but I am not sure this captures her extraordinary nature. It also feels too final, like there is only a beginning and an end instead of a song that continues to live in everything she loved. Instead, I would like to tell you where I believe you will still find her.
You will find her in all things green. The emerald green of her birthstone or newly growing grass in the Spring. The deep green leaves of trees and petunias in the summer. The hunter green of pine needles stubbornly peeking through the snow in winter.
You will find her in the animals she loved: horses carrying riders miles, dogs gently begging for attention, cats guarding their owners' feet.
You will find her every time you see a nurse holding another's hand. Whether it be helping patients heal, helping them try to remember what they cannot or helping them leave this world peacefully, you will see her there with them.
You will find her in a family gathered around a campfire, a Thanksgiving table, a wedding or a graduation. A family walking through life by faith all finding it in their own way: a perfectly imperfect patchwork quilt sewn together with love.
You will find her next to her husband who "loves her so much, he wore a green tuxedo to their wedding" (Lu Story). You will find her in the story of a marriage that started in youth and grew over forty-four years- an inspirational friendship forged through joyful and painful times.
You will find her in the gray-blue eyes of her sons. One quiet and calm, the other loud and reactive: both like their mother- hardworking, kind and humbly generous.
You will find her in the audience watching her granddaughters "praise his name with dancing" (Psalms1 149:3). You will find her deep compassion in the servant's heart of her eldest granddaughter painting her weaking grandmother's nails in bed. You will find her gift for discernment and naturing in her youngest granddaughter's fiery descriptions of politics followed by the warmest of hugs.
You will find her in all the memories you carry in your own hearts.
"[We] will love you forever and ever amen."
At peace with parents Jack (June) Thacker, Helen (Wendell) Akins; parents in law: Arnold (Lula Mae) Story; niece: Theresa Todd; and several aunts and uncles.
Missing her on earth Husband Kirk Story; sons: Jared (Heidi) and Heath Story; granddaughters: Lucy and Elisa Story; brother: Bob (Sheri) Thacker; sisters: Sue Todd and Connie(J) Parks; and several adored nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024, at 5 p.m. at Rogers Family Mortuary in Monte Vista, 404 Morris St.
Rogers Family Mortuary is in care of arrangements. To leave online condolences, tributes and words of comfort for Meledy’s family please visit www.RogersFunerals.com.
