Melody J. Noel 1960-2025

She was preceded in death by her father, Ronald Willis Noel, and mother, Emma Jane Heckathorn.

She is survived by daughters, Amber Beall (Randy Ebert) and Natalie Andrews (Justin Andrews), and grandchildren, Nicholas Foster, Sadie and Reese Andrews, Ella Hodge and Samuel Ebert. She also is survived by her cat, Lit’l Bit or Buddy, depending on the day; as well as her brothers, Ron, Bill and Tony; and sisters, Carol, Jody, Rita, Debbie and Susie.

Her memory will be lovingly cherished by nieces and nephews, Jennifer, Samantha, Andy, Brittany, Megan, Billy, Bobby and Amanda; and a host of great-nieces and great-nephews.

Melody graduated from Hubbard High School in 1978 and spent her career at Seven Seventeen Credit Union in various roles before retiring this past summer. She was so grateful for the credit union, which not only brought her fulfillment in her career but also a bevy of friendships that turned into a family.

Mel enjoyed the Cleveland Browns, concerts, camping, the mountains, fishing and boating. She instilled in her daughters, Amber and Natalie, a love of reading. She taught them the power of giving back and the importance of generosity beyond measure. Volunteerism was paramount throughout her life, and when she couldn’t be present to help, she made donations instead.

Melody was a harbor for strays, both animal and human, finding many friends of her daughters on her couch for as long as they needed, no matter the circumstance. Numerous individuals discovered their way forward thanks to her help and support.

One of her greatest joys in life was watching her daughters succeed, constantly bragging about whatever they were into on any given day. This extends to her sons-in-law and grandchildren. Mel loved spending time with her grandchildren, Nick, Reese and Sadie. Nick was her first grandchild, and she spent many a weeknight with him while Amber finished her undergraduate degree. Later, she taught him how to drive and believed that, no matter what path he chose, he would do something incredible in his life. The hours spent in her backyard with him will never be forgotten.

She cherished her time with Reese and Sadie, too. Particularly jumping in the waves and looking for any manner of creature wherever they happened to be. They spent afternoons at Crooked River State Park and the Howard Gilman Memorial Park playing and adventuring. She was thrilled to be able to spend her retirement with them, helping them transition into adulthood.

Mel should also be remembered for her sense of adventure. While she had attended many concerts and NASCAR races, and visited cities all across the country, she most recently completed a retirement celebration in Colorado. It was here that she attended her first rave, sat front row at Red Rocks Amphitheater to see one of her favorite bands, The Dirty Heads, and summited Pike’s Peak while keeping a keen eye out for Bigfoot. One can only fathom what the rest of retirement might have held.

Her daughters remember in no specific order: kittens, the mountains, Stephen King novels, just taking a drive, the woods, the spooky part, kolachi and pizzelles.

Family and friends may call 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, at Kelley-Cummins Funeral Home, with a celebration of Mel’s life to follow at 7 p.m.

Visit www.kcummins.com to view this obituary and to send condolences to the family.

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