Melinda Kay Winchell (Skaer) was born on October 15, 1950 to Gil and Arlene (Hanson) Skaer in Kansas City. MO, she passed away on August 14, 2022 at her home on Canyon Ferry Lake in Helena, MT. She was surrounded by her husband, daughter, son, and close family friend Stacy Leazer, after her short battle with a terminal Glioblastoma (brain tumor).
Melinda also known as, Aunt Mimi, or just Mimi, Mama Winchell to many of Ryan and Ashley’s friends, and also Mema, was raised in Edgerton and Gardner, KS. Her parents then moved to Great Falls, MT in 1964, where her brother George and her dad opened up Westgate Barbershop in 1965 . She attended Paris Gibson Junior High, Great Falls High, CM Russell High and Dahl’s Beauty School.
Melinda and Ron met at Falls Sheet Metal, where Ron worked for over 46 years, and were married on January 26, 1974, they were almost married 50 years. They went on many vacations over the years, Hawaii was one of their favorite places to visit. In retirement they have enjoyed traveling to see their grandkids in Austin, TX. She looked forward to her visit with her brother Ronnie and sister-in-law Jackie in Arizona once a year. She loved her beautiful home on Canyon Ferry Lake, and she looked forward to planting her flowers and working in her yard every spring.
One of Melinda’s biggest dreams was to become a mother. Her dream came true when the social worker called her while she was working that there was a baby girl in Billings, MT that needed to be adopted. They got to the foster home on January 3, 1984, and saw a elderly lady carrying a baby, and she said “I will be right back.” Melinda told me that “she just knew that couldn’t be their baby because that baby was just too beautiful.” Turned out that beautiful baby was their baby and they named her Ashley Nicole Winchell, born December 11, 1983. After a couple of years, Ron and Melinda decided it was time to add anther baby to the family, and in November of 1987 they got a call that a 10 day old baby boy in Helena, MT needed to be adopted, and Ryan Lee Winchell became part of their family.
Melinda became a “Mema” when Ryan Winchell and Natalya Madolora welcomed Nico Rylee Winchell on September 21, 2012; then on February 9, 2015 they welcomed Stella Rose Winchell. She loved her grandbabies so much and made sure they had all the cute outfits and coolest toys. Nico loves to sing and would sing “You are my Sunshine” to his Mema. Stella and Mema loved getting pedicures and manicures together.
As many of you knew what a fashionista Melinda was, she worked at TJ Maxx for about 10 years, she loved her little part time job about 8-10 hours a week, it got her out of the house. Melinda was a very generous person, she always talked about the “kids” at TJ Maxx and how she would give them $10 or $20 for gas or food. She always made sure people had a special treat on their birthday, and if there was a child in need she always figured out how to help.
Melinda is survived by husband Ron Winchell; daughter Ashley Winchell of Billings, MT; son Ryan Winchell (Natalya Madolora) of Austin, TX; brother Ron (Jackie) Skaer of Anthem, Ariz.; grandson Nico Rylee Makanaokalani Winchell; granddaughter Stella Rose Nalani Winchell; Nephews, Marc (Ann) Cordell of Casper, WY; Scott (Kathy) Cordell of Cheyenne, WY; Craig (Karen) Cordell of Denver, CO; Todd (Kari) Cordell of Boise, ID; Nieces, Amie (J.C) Bigelow (Skaer) of Draper, UT; Jillian (Treve) Brinkman of Denver, CO; Steve (Sydne) Skaer of Great Falls, MT; Brad (Christel) Skaer of Rochester, MN; and numerous great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents Gil and Arlene Skaer; her brother George Gilbert Skaer; and her sister Karen Cordell; close family friends Buzz and Rosie Leazer.
Melinda had many special friends in her life that we would like to acknowledge Barb Beeby of Helena, MT; Betty McLaughlin of Helena, MT; and Stacy Leazer of Great Falls, MT. We would also like to thank our social worker Barbara, our nurses Kourtney, Annette, and Nicole from St. Pete’s Hospice they were truly angels.
A celebration of Life will be held on September 10, 2022 at 3:00 PM at her home on Canyon Ferry Lake. 8141 Pier Road Helena, MT 59602 We would love for anyone who cared about Melinda to please come to celebrate her amazing life.
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Jason says
So sorry for your loss.
Laura Gannon says
Melinda is a amazing lady. Our thoughts and prayers are you all of you in this difficult time. Just remember all the amazing times you shared with your mom and wife through the years that she was with us. Laura Gannon
Sheila says
I’m here if needed. Always remember how much mom loved you. Absent from our body is to be present with our lord, no more suffering no more pain, we will see Mimi again. Love you Ashley. 🙏💕😘
M&L Wren says
We are so sorry and wishing you and your family so much peace and grace at this time,
Mike and Laura
Barbara Beeby says
Ron, Ashley and Ryan – I am at a loss for words to express my sadness in all of us losing this terrific lady. She was so special to me. I admired her for her high style and her great cooking – and the purses!. I have a few of those great recipies. No more sleep overs and binge watching tv series – eating till we could not breathe – and purging our souls. I am grateful for her friendship. If I can be of help in any way please do not hesitate to hollar at me. I love you guys.
BB
Stacy Smith says
Ron, Ashley and Ryan, its so true how the saying, “ there are no words” fit at a time like this. I have never been more humbled and honored these last two years than I have been with caring for Mom and Dad and most recently, sweet Mimi. Standing with you at her bedside was a treasured gift that can never be bought or sold. It’s something we shared and experienced and will hold deeply within our hearts for the rest of our lives. I love you guys so much, thank you for loving me through the years, and don’t hesitate to ask me for anything. I’ll do anything I can.
Debra Moore says
I met Melinda at TJMaxx where we worked together. Melinda was always so thoughtful and sweet. She will be missed greatly. Ashley you were truly blessed to have her as a mother.
Mary Clayton says
Ron, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. God bless you & your family. Mary (Murphy) Clayton
Mary Chvilicek says
I’m so sorry to hear about Melinda . She was such a special friend to my mom (Betty McLaughlin). I do appreciated that she stopped in to visit mom so often and brought her delicious treats. She was such a special lady.
Vonnie Jenkins says
Ashley
I’m so sorry for your loss. Please know you are in my thoughts. I miss you!
Kathy Schlimgen says
Ron, Ashley, Ryan and family. I was so sad to see that Melinda had passed. She was such a special, sweat, and kind person.
We were in a coffee group together, but it has been so many years since I have seen her. I think the last time was at TJ Max in Helena. I was honored to call her a friend. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Kathy