Melody Carol Evans Eldred
9/14/1960-5/24/2013
This past May 24th, 2013, surrounded by her family Melody was called by our creator to begin her new life in the Kingdom that awaits us all.
Melody was born in Keokuk, Iowa to Dale L and Janice C. (Landman) Evans September 14, 1960. Her family moved to Seattle, WA 1961, then moved to Federal Way attending Olympic View, Lakota Jr. and Decatur High until 10th grade. Moved to Redmond in 1977 in which she graduated from Redmond High School in 1979. She was honored 2 consecutive years in Who’s Who among American High School students. The honor is only given to the nation’s top five percent of junior and seniors in high schools. Her name was included in the biography that states each person’s name, activities and school. The national honor is reserved for students who have demonstrated leadership or achievement in academics, athletics, extra-curricular activities or community service. Melody was active in band, student council, as a yearbook reporter, church and community worker, varsity volleyball player and office aide. Her senior year she enrolled at Bellevue Community College (business administration and public relations.) Melody was employed with Sundstrand Data Control for 8 years. She then married, moved to Carnation had 3 beautiful boys, Kyle, Jeff and Conner which were her pride and joy. Melody was the best mother anyone could have as she was involved with every sport and school function or just doing all she could to make sure the boys’ experience the best childhood possible. She had her own preschool for awhile, and then worked for Cedarcrest School District for the special needs students. Melody and her family moved to their custom built home in Duvall, where she was so excited about raising the boys, decorating and investing a lifetime of memories.
In 1998 she was diagnosed with a brain tumor which was found due to a fall. Melody had surgery, radiation and chemo to shrink the remaining tumor to a pea size. From that time on she was a strong, determined woman that would continue to battle the challenges ahead. She had MRI’s to keep close watch on her progress. Then in 2008 she got the news that the tumor had returned. This did not detour her from ever giving up and to have a strong faith in God knowing that that if God called her home she was prepared. Oral chemo, infusions and everything possible was given to combat tumors by her wonderful team at UW but the inevitable happened. In December of 2012 we were told there was nothing else that could be done. Again Melody’s determination, love of life, and will to fight to the end was apparent.
Through the years she’s displayed the true meaning of optimism, hopefulness and determination by NOT GIVING UP! She has enjoyed life with friends and family all along with strength and a magnitude of her many attributes such as her priorities to put others before herself, and her sense of humor with that radiant smile that was very contagious.. Her kindness, giving and willingness to help anytime anyone needed it and to sacrifice to do all she could no matter what. Melody has always been a true inspiration to anyone she has come in contact with. We all should feel privileged to have had the gift of Melody in our lives/hearts.
Melody exemplifies pure grace and kindness. It is what we strive to be and how we should remember to treat one another. This is her legacy to pass on and to remember her smile always.
Melody, as well as her family and friends, have the reassurance, comfort and trust in God to have welcomed her with open arms.
A celebration of Melody’s life is planned at the Living Word Community Church in Carnation, Saturday June15th, 2:00 pm. All are welcome.
She was preceded in death by her Father Dale L Evans in 2003 and her Brother Ricky Dale in 1956. She is survived by her Mother Janice Evans, Sons, Kyle, Jeffrey and Conner, Sisters Pam Drake and Kim Mohney, nephews and a niece, uncle, aunt and many cousins. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Evergreen Hospice in Kirkland, WA or Caringbridge.org.