Our beloved mother, sister, grandmother, friend and soul mate passed away on September 20, 2016 of natural causes. Born March 16, 1952 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Gene William Gray and Carol June Ridd. One of seven siblings, Melanie spent her childhood in Salt Lake City, graduating from Kearns High School in 1970 where she enjoyed many different student activities and was a runner up for homecoming queen.
In the early 70's Melanie met Greg and in June of 1976 they married. In the years to come, they welcomed sons Ashley and Nathan. Their lives took them to Hobbs, NM and Asotin, WA, but her heart's desire was always to be in Salt Lake City with her extended family, and in 1986 they returned and she spent her remaining 30 years there. Nothing put a bigger smile on Melanie's face then spending time with her family. She truly valued her visits with her grandchildren and great nephews and nieces.
Melanie enjoyed working and was successful in many professions, including real estate and service industry, but her passion was always helping young people and specifically those with mental illness. A compassionate, caring, patient and loving person, Melanie was a devoted advocate for mental health rights. She volunteered tirelessly for NAMI and other organizations in Salt Lake City to ensure those who were affected had the resources necessary to help them with their disease. She was also a strong supporter of the foster care program, providing a loving home to 10 children over the years, many of which stayed in touch with her.
The family thanks Dr. Dan Henry, Dr. George Nikopolous, Dr. Katie Coco and the numerous medical and care staff over the years for their compassion and comforting care of Melanie. Her family and friends are also thanked for their tireless support, especially since Greg's death.
Survived by: Her two sons, Ashley and Nathan (Adrianne), grandchildren, Braxton and Cooper, sisters, Pamela (Brad), Deborah (Ralph), Stephanie and Carolyn (Craig) her brothers, Michael and Jason and numerous nieces and nephews. Additionally, she always appreciated her relationship with her foster son, Kelly Fischer.
She was preceded in death by: Soul mate Greg, Mother Carol, Fathers Gene and Stephen, Brother-in-Law Demetrious and Niece and Soul sister Leslie.
Services will be held Friday, September 30th at 11:00 AM at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E 1300 S, SLC UT 84108. In lieu of flowers, please make charitable gifts memory of Melanie to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, online at namiut.org/take-action/donate-online or call 801.323.9900.
