Melody Marlene Self, 61

On Saturday, July 28, 2012, after an extended illness. Melody Marlene Self finished her race and went to be with her loving lord. Born Nov. 19, 1950, in Wallace to Gail Eugene and Ardath Agnes (Fowler) Self, the third of three children.

The family lived in Gem until 1952 when they moved to Post Falls. Melody attended Post Falls schools where she met one of her best friends, Julie Horton Baldwin. Melody worked at a local nursing home where she met Patty Oursland Nutting and later her sister Mary Oursland Steele. Melody was also best friends with her cousin, Shirley Maki Eubanks. Shirley, Julie, Patty and Mary maintained very close relationships with Melody throughout her entire life. She could not have asked for better friends.

In November 2008 due to poor health, Melody and Ardath moved to Nampa to live with Cheryl and Clarence. After Ardath passed, Melody stayed with her uncle James O. Self of Caldwell. Melody spent several years taking care of her own mother until her own health prevented her from doing so any longer. Melody’s favorite pastimes were yard sales, bingo and playing cards with her best friends. She loved her Lord and spent many hours in His Word. She loved the music of Dallas Holmes, especially his song, “Rise Again.” In November 2011, Melody and Cheryl were able to attend Concert of Celtic Thunder. Melody enjoyed many hours of watching their DVD’s.

Melody’s greatest joys were her son, Kevin Gail Self of Caldwell and her beloved grandchildren, Dillon of Hayden and Breanna of Caldwell. They were the lights of her life. She recently enjoyed the addition of her great-grandson, Ayden Self of Hayden. Melody will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her. She brought great joy to our lives.

We want to give special thanks to our nephew, Rodney Self, for the special care he gave to his aunt Mel these past two months while in extended care in Coeur d’Alene and to Neva Scott, her friend and caregiver in Caldwell.

Melody was preceded in death by her brother, Rodney; father Gail; and mother Ardath.

She is survived by her son, Kevin; grandson Dillon; granddaughter Brianna; sister Cheryl (Clarence) Myhre; special cousins, Yvonne Barbosa of California, Karen Roberts of Louisiana and Joyce Parmenter of Texas; special nieces, Melissa Maloy of Oklahoma, Rhonda and Traci of Oregon and Ami of Idaho; special nephews, Christopher and Rodney of Idaho, and Patrick of Florida; numerous great-nephews and nieces, uncles, aunts and cousins.

Truthfully, everyone was special to Melody. We love you Melody.

Memorial services will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 2, 2012, at Lifeway Chapel, 501 W. 15th, Post Falls.