Melodie Garanson
September 16, 2011
Melodie (Lemley) Garanson, 48, passed away at her home September 16, 2011.
Melodie was born December 14, 1962, in Des Moines to James and Lethabel Lemley. She graduated from East High School in 1981, and was a National Honor Society student. In 1983, Melodie graduated from AIB, where she studied accounting and computer programming. She married Mark Garanson on October 15, 1983. Melodie and Mark met at her first job, Adventureland, where she worked from 1979 to 1980. She began working for First Realty in 1983 and left in 1995 to work in the accounting department at Prairie Meadows. Melodie also worked part-time at K-Mart and Homemakers Furniture Outlet. She enjoyed cooking, making crafts, NASCAR and Knittin’ for Kittens for the Animal Rescue League. She was a lifelong member of Sheridan Park United Methodist Church.
Melodie is survived by her husband, Mark Garanson; mother, Lethabel (Belle) Lemley; brother-in-law, Don (Michelle) Garanson; niece, Dr. Amanda (Omar) Moreno; aunt, Barb Musgrave; and her cousins, Marcia (Richard) Smith and Robin Smith. She was preceded in death by her father, James G. Lemley; and her in-laws, Eskil and Irene Garanson.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, September 22, 2011, at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, followed by burial at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue League of Iowa in loving memory of Melodie, her Irish setter Patrick, and her cat, Wascal.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Wade Sheeler
09/22/2011
Mark: my sincerest condolences to you in your loss. Melodiee was a great gal. I have many fond memories of our times at Adventureland, so many years ago. She always had a great smile and laugh. She was one of those people that you just enjoyed being around. God bless you. May good memories sustain you in the days ahead.
Barry Lowe
09/22/2011
Mark, I haven't seen you in years, but I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I still have wonderful memories of the times we had working together at Adventureland. I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks to come. If I can do anything for you, please do not hesitate to contact me. You can find me in the phone book under massage therapists. May God give you strength at this difficult time.
Peggy Hollingshead Sams
09/20/2011
So saddened by your loss. Haven't seen Mel since Eileen's funeral. So sorry we didn't stay in touch better. I remember so many good times. Decorating that Pacer for our caravan's. Eating pizza at the hut after working at A-land. Swimming in Mark's pool. Mr. Mauks math classes. Just so many great times. She will be missed by many.
Many prayers,
Peggy Sams
Deb (Schaffer) Partee
09/20/2011
I am so very sorry to hear of Melodie's passing. She was a super gal, and was truly a joy to work with at First Realty. Come on...who else would bring all the makin's for BLT's to work to serve for lunch for everyone???
A great gal she was and will always be.
Mark, my deepest sympathy goes out to you, and to the family.
Deb
Craig Miller
09/20/2011
Mark and Belle:
I am so sad for your loss and all of our loss of a great and true friend. Melodie was so genuine and honest and I valued her friendship more than any other. I will miss her greatly . I pray you may receive comfort and share her great memories with all. She will truly be missed. Love and Sympathy : Craig Miller
Pam Wylie Spangler
09/19/2011
Belle and Mark -
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Melodie. She was such a great friend to me growing up. From lighting candles at church and writing notes back and forth (when we should have been listening to the sermon), to playing golf in high school (and giggling at some of our WAY out of bounds shots), we shared a lot of laughs and giggles. I always admired how mature and grown up she was when we were in school and wished I could be like her. Though I hadn't seen her lately, I always thought of her fondly and with a smile as I think back to the fun of just being "girls."
My prayers go out to you at this sad time. I hope you, like I, will hold those precious memories close to your heart.
Pam Wylie Spangler
Kim & Olga Nussbaum
09/19/2011
Belle and Mark, in your time of unimaginable sadness, we wish we could be there on Wednesday and Thursday. Her passing has left a large hole in your homes and daily lives. We will miss her. But she is at peace now, and without pain and suffering. We will be thinking of you this week and thereafter.
Love, Kim & Olga
Elaine Castelline
09/18/2011
Melodie will be missed. She had an infectious smile and was liked by many people!
Peggy, Gary, Elaine, And Evan Leerhoff
09/18/2011
Mark and Aunt Belle,
We are so sorry to hear about Melodie's passing. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you.