Persis Helene Haughtelin Melehes

Persis was our mascot every year in Wendover for the derby, for many, many, years. We will miss your funny antics and your great sense of humor. The Kentucky derby will not be the same without you. You will be missed. Till we meet again. We love you! Rick and Wendi

There are few people who can match Persis in tenacity. She was feisty and a character of the best sort! She was also fearless in life. I was privileged to share many adventures with her: trekking southern Utah and Canada, fishing Henry's Fork, golfing, camping, renovating an old homestead. Persis had the ability to look at a situation, assess it accurately and move forward to a solution. She was also like a sage in her ability to offer spot-on one-liners that benefited many people. I credit...

For you, Persis and family, I neglected to put one of my favorite photos of you that amplifies what I have written. It's important to me that it accompanies what I said because "it says it all." Love, Spud

Persis has been a wonderful part of my life in many ways, but most important I will always remember her fearlessness, honesty, and point-perfect comments to assess almost any situation or person. I miss you and am sustained by the memory of hundreds of unforgetable outdoor activities for nearly 50 years. Thank you for your life lessons and love. Condolences to her remarkable children. They had a mother whose love never wained. All my respect for one of the best ones in my life. Love to you,...

Persis had the soul of a Sage, a free adventurous spirit and a love for the outdoors. Her fearlessness was to be admired. Over the course of years we shared memorable camping, hiking and fishing trips in Idaho and Utah. I loved her feisty personality which at times could be challenging. She was personable always with people we met wherever we went. She loved a good life story and was a good listener. One thing that could be said is that she was not a wallflower. The stories she shared about...