Melanie Elizabeth Rhodes Final Wishes

So many of you loved my sister Melanie and have questions. I understand. She was only 48. She was beautiful, smart, funny and so kind. My sister suffered from depression. She'd usually overcome these feelings and continue on with life, but in the last few weeks she struggled mentally and physically. Recovering from surgery and covid, taking newly prescribed medications for the pain, plus other stressors, were just too much for her. My beloved sister decided it was time to no longer be here while her quality of life was being stripped from her so suddenly. I've been through many episodes with her in the past, that when she told me she'd be okay, that she'd try harder, I believed in her. Even made plans with me just days before she passed, I didn't see this coming and for that, I will forever feel like there was something I could have done.

Melanie loved hard and with her whole heart. Her sons were her world. She worried about them as any mother does. Now that she is gone, I want to make sure her arrangements are taken care of. Her pup Ava Lou, who was her baby and new addition Thunder kitty will also be taken care of.

Melanie's final wishes were to be cremated as our parents were, then a celebration of life "party" and for her final resting place to be in a wooded area where plants and animals thrive. Melanie loved nature. Including fishing, kayaking, and taking Ava on long walks through the Crosswind Marsh trails. Melanie's love for animals was like nothing I've ever seen. She loved all living creatures. At one point, she had a bird, a rat, and a pet snake. Not suprising why she became a Vet Tech.

Please think of my sister often and cherish all the memories. We will miss her, but I believe she found her own sense of peace. Thank you.