Obituary of Melitha Painter

Melitha Painter Melitha Painter departed this world on April 20th 2009 from a long bout with Cervical Cancer at the age of 52. She passed at her home in Centralia WA with family and friends at her side. She was born Melitha Mae Valentine February 19th 1957 in Waynesville, North Carolina to Bert and Lillie Mae Valentine. She attended public schools in North Carolina and Kentucky before the family moved to Darrington, Washington when she was nine years old. Melitha was the second child of four. An older brother; Michael Valentine who resides in Centralia with his wife Renee. Two sisters; Hilda, wife of Ray Richter and Juanita, wife of Keith Taylor all of whom reside in Bucoda WA. She married Michael (Mike) Ray Painter at their home in Chehalis at the time on June 24th 1980. She is survived by her husband, son, daughter, mother, brother, sisters and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins who all loved her very much. She was preceded in death by her father, who passed long before his time in Aug. 1968. A year later the family moved to Centralia, Washington.. The day the family arrived at their new house in Centralia there was a little girl setting on the steps waiting to see who the new occupants would be. That little girl was 9 year old Pamela Padden who lived just around the corner on "F" street. 40+ years later and Pam is still as close as any sister could be. She was there for Melitha during the most needed times of her life. Melitha attended Edison Elementary School and Centralia's Junior and Senior High Schools. Later in Life when her son Jeremy started first grade, a photo of Melitha, Jeremy and Erin walking up the stairs for Jeremy's first day of school was printed on the front page of the local newspaper. Melitha's mother being a single parent was more like a friend growing up. The Valentine house on "G" street was the place to hang out and play. At times there would be upwards of 15 girls having a slumber party where the music was loud and hair brushes doubled as microphones to sing along with the Supremes and other popular groups. The 45's and 33's would play all night. Other dear friends of Melitha growing up included Joyce Shortman, Sandy Cline, Diane Underwood and Becky Hickman. After she married Mike she met her very dear friend to the end - Margie, who was with Melitha when she passed. Margie and her husband Curt Ross drove all the way from Montana to be with Melitha during her last days and was a huge support for Mike and the kids. Melitha's most favorite place to visit was the beach, specifically Long Beach, Washington; location of her honeymoon and many happy memories. This is also the beach she had requested her ashes be spread upon. She also cherished the times the family would go camping and one time in particular when camping in Eastern Washington there came a huge afternoon hail storm and everything including the tents and sleeping bags got soaked. Mike and a family friend, Keith Hasu, had to dry the sleeping bags out in the restroom of the park using the air - hand dryer. Melitha laughed about that trip, but said she wouldn't change a thing. For their 25th wedding anniversary in 2005 Melitha and Mike drove to Reno where they met up with her sister, Hilda, and her husband Ray who was also celebrating 25 yrs. Mike and Melitha were married just three days before Hilda and Ray. As we all made our way back to Washington we camped in the Mt. Shasta park, worked our way over to the coast and followed Hwy 101 up, staying in Lincoln City and Seaside Oregon. That was a very special time for Melitha and she spoke of it often. In 2008 while battling cancer she attended the Valentine Family Reunion in Idaho. Melitha, Hilda, and her mother drove Melitha's new Scion xB while caravanning with Mike and Renee in their car. After the reunion where she got reacquainted with family members, they made their way to Reno and Virginia City. Melitha loved the Bucket of Blood Saloon in Virginia City, Nevada, saying she wished she could live there. Melitha was a wife and homemaker by trade, and she did her job well! She enjoyed spending time with friends and family. She also enjoyed traveling and cruising the highways and byways of the scenic Washington country side. She also enjoyed crafts like wood burning and making lasting memories for special occasions and special people. Mel enjoyed cooking, and was adept at creating cheesecake delicacies. Melitha is with the Lord now, and not suffering the ravages of a horrible disease and its treatment. Please join with us in celebrating the life of a wonderful, giving lady. To leave a condolence for the family, click on View Guestbook below: