Obituary of Melody Ray Bush Simmons

Melody Ray Bush Simmons, 69, of Fairmont passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 20, 2022, after a short illness, surrounded by her loving family. She gained her heavenly wings and was met by her loving mother at the pearly gates of Heaven. Melody was born on March 28, 1952, a daughter of the late Walton and Alice Jacqueline “Jackie” Nay Bush. Melody is survived by her sisters, Susan Reese and Peggy Donlin McLaughlin both of Fairmont; brother, Walton Dale (Donna Jo) Bush of Fairmont; nieces and nephews, Donna Reese, Nancy (Larry) Bass, Danny (Michelle) Donlin, Genie (Libby) Reesman, Dannyka (Brett) Wolfe, Desmond (Julie) Donlin, Joshua (Andrea) Bush, and Amanda (Jamie) Cheuvront; great nieces and nephews, Elizabeth (Mike) Houghton, Seth, Brooke Donlin, Devin, Noah Reesman, Grace, Breanna, Isabella, Beau Wolfe, Dakota, Dylan, Mya Donlin, Silas Bush, Camden Cheuvront, Joey (Kendra) Leuliette, and Beth (Josh) Leuliette; great-great nieces and nephews, Lukas Cottrill, Genevieve and Jonah Leuliette; her former husband, Donnie Simmons of Fairmont; and special friend and card playing buddy, Felicia Cavaler. Melody attended East Fairmont High School and was a member of the Kingmont Community since 1984. She was a dedicated member of the Kingmont United Methodist Church with Pastor Gary Steele where she rung the bell and lit the candles on Sunday. She was a member of the Kingmont Improvement Auxiliary Associating (KIAA). She enjoyed volunteering at the Kingmont Community Building and devoted her time to the people and community of Kingmont for over 30 years. Melody took a leap of faith and joined the DAC, which became her second family in 2015. While there, she was part of the RURAL (Rural to Urban Agriculture Learning) Program where she started as a trainee and went on to become a supervisor. In 2017, she graduated from the LIFE Project. She was recently elected president of the People First of Marion County for 2022. Melody recently won first place in doubles at the Special Olympics State Bowling Tournament. Melody shined and exceled in all DAC programs, not because her work ethic, but because of her kind, giving, and gentle personality. She thoroughly enjoyed making crafts and jewelry giving them to her friends and family. She loved making cards and pictures to make your day and show you how much she cared. Melody’s favorite food was pizza, she loved listening to George Straight, watching old movies, playing card games, putting puzzles together, bowling, and playing on her iPad, but nothing made her smile more than spending time with her family and friends. Each niece and nephew was her favorite and she was their favorite. She was Aunt Melody to so many people and loved by all that knew her. The family requests memorial contributions be made in Melody’s memory to the Disability Action Center, 448 Leonard Ave., Fairmont, WV 26554. The family will receive friends at Ford Funeral Home, 201 Columbia St., Fairmont, WV 26554, on Saturday, January 22, 2022, from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. and on Sunday, January 23, 2022, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Sunday, January 23, 2022, at 1 p.m. with Robert Barr officiating. A committal service will follow at Mt. Zion Cemetery in Fairmont. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.fordfuneralhomes.com.