Melanie Gary

Melanie Jean Gary, 64, passed away Wednesday, December 29, 2021 peacefully at home in Traverse City, MI. Melanie is survived by her loving husband of 40 years, Ron Gary, her son Josh (Michelle) Gary, her granddaughter Sophie Gary, her mother Jean Kenny, sisters Laurie Kenny and Kellie Golembiewski and “granddaughter” Ruby Gatewood.

Melanie was born in 1957 in Manistee, MI to Donald and Jean Kenny and was the 4th of the five kids that made up the Kenny clan. Those of you that knew mom knew she was a spitfire and a bull-head (as she would have said) which was the case from the time she was born.

Melanie and Ron were married in Traverse City, MI in 1981 and shortly afterward welcomed their only child, Joshua (Josh) into the world. Melanie wanted a child more than anything, so Josh became her whole world. Melanie worked at Master Dry Cleaners for the majority of her career, starting by running a press and then eventually moving on to quality control.

The other thing Melanie wanted most in the world was a grandbaby. That dream was realized in 2018 when Sophie Marie Gary was born. Melanie loved that little girl more than anything, except for her Joshua Lee. She loved talking to Sophie on the phone at any opportunity and spoiling her in any way that she could.

For everyone that knew Melanie it should come as no surprise that she was one of the kindest people you could ever meet. She was generous almost to a fault and would have given you the shirt off her back in a snowstorm. Her caring and compassion for those that she loved will be missed terribly and we can only hope to carry on that caring and compassion in her honor. She was always the life of the party and knew how to make everyone have a good time.

Melanie has now joined those that she loved here on earth and has been missing dearly for a long time. Her dad (Don), her brothers (Donnie and Joel) and her best friend (Pam). We know that was a joyous reunion and that rowdy bunch is going to be causing some trouble now that they are reunited.

Until we meet again you will be missed more than you could ever know. Your memory will live on with those that knew and loved you and will be passed along to those that loved you and were just getting to know you.

“My mother had a slender, small body, but a large heart – a heart so large that everybody’s joys found welcome in it, and hospitable accommodation.”- Mark Twain

A celebration of life for Melanie will be held in the spring of 2022. Please check back to this site for details or reach out to the family to be notified when plans are solidified.

Please share your thoughts and more and return for updated spring 2022 Celebration of Life details.