Melinda S. Rayburn, age 48, passed away peacefully at her home at 9 p.m. Saturday, March 13, 2010, surrounded by her loving family and friends after a long illness.
Melinda was born December 4, 1961, in Alliance, Ohio, to Tom and Millie (George) Park and was a lifelong area resident.
Melinda attended West Branch Schools and was a former manager for Duke and Duchess.
A member of Middle Sandy Presbyterian Church, Melinda was a fun-loving person with a zest for life. She loved to fish, target shoot, go camping, write poetry, and go to the racetrack when she was younger. She had a great sense of humor, and enjoyed traveling and being a sponsor for AA and CA. She also enjoyed watching and coaching softball.
A loving daughter, mother and grandmother, she is survived by three daughters, Lindsey (John) Rose of Homeworth, Allyson Vizzuso of Homeworth and Kiyara Kinser of Alliance; five grandchildren, Jacob, Marissa, Jarrod, Jason and Antonio; her mother, Millie Thomas of Alliance; siblings, Darla (Brian) Covert of Minerva, Tom (Mary) Park of Alliance, and Rhonda Thomas of Alliance; stepsons, Eldon Rayburn of Homeworth and Nate Rayburn of Homeworth; former husbands, Rocco Vizzuso of Alliance and Ken Rayburn of Homeworth; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her father, Tom Park; and sister, Alice Park.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 17, 2010 at Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home with Pastor Tom Sawyer of Middle Sandy Presbyterian Church officiating. Friends may call from 9-11 a.m. Wednesday.
Memorial contributions may be made to the COPD Foundation, 2937 SW 27th Ave., Suite 302, Miami, Fl, 33133.
Arrangements are by Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home, 75 S. Union Ave., Alliance, Ohio 44601.