Obituary

Melody Joy Emrick, 49, of Sebring passed away at her home Tuesday afternoon April 10, 2007 after a five-month battle with renal cell kidney cancer. Melody was born March 3, 1958, in Garrett, Indiana, to Ellen J. (Ritter) Miller and David L. Emrick. She was a resident of the Kendallville and Garrett, Indiana area most of her life before moving to Sebring in 1998. She was a member of the First Baptist Church, Kendallville since her youth.

While in the Garrett area, Melody worked at Cooper Tire. She moved to Sebring and worked at Walgreen's for several years and then at Winn Dixie Supermarket in Avon Park where she was General Merchandise Manager until her death.

Surviving are her mother, Ellen J. Miller of Sebring; her father and stepmother, David L. and Anna Emrick of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; a daughter and son-in-law, Stacey Lynn and Earl Leas of Butler, Indiana; a son and his companion, Joshua J. Zimmerman and Amelia Isham of Kiel, Wisconsin; seven grandchildren, Myles, Travis, Jacob and Haley Leas, Abagail, Madason and Logan Zimmerman; a sister and brother-in-law, Shelly and Ed "Pork" Waldron of Albion, Indiana; two brothers and sisters-in-law, David and Georgia Emrick of Carrollton, Texas, and Steve and Rhonda Emrick of Rhone, Texas; five nieces; one nephew; special friend, James Smith; and three "fuzzy kids" (pet cats).

Melody was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Lois Irene (Hite) and Orval B. Ritter and her paternal grandparents, Toellner and Thelma Emrick.

Melody loved growing flowers and plants, especially her orchids, feeding birds, squirrels and all wildlife. She loved reading books and magazines. Melody will be remembered for her love of family, friends, and life itself.

Viewing will be Sunday, April 15th from 2-7 p.m. at Young Family Funeral Home, Kendallville Chapel and services will be held Monday April 16th at 1:30 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. David Wilson officiating. Preferred memorials are to Good Shepherd Hospice, Sebring, or the Humane Shelter of your choice.