1952 ~ 2016
Our beloved mother, sister, grandmother, friend and soul mate passed away on September 20, 2016 of natural causes. Born March 16, 1952 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Gene William Gray and Carol June Ridd. One of seven siblings, Melanie spent her childhood in Salt Lake City, graduating from Kearns High School in 1970 where she enjoyed many different student activities and was a runner up for homecoming queen.
In the early 70's Melanie met Greg and in June of 1976 they married. In the years to come, they welcomed sons Ashley and Nathan. Their lives took them to Hobbs, NM and Asotin, WA, but her heart's desire was always to be in Salt Lake City with her extended family, and in 1986 they returned and she spent her remaining 30 years there. Nothing put a bigger smile on Melanie's face then spending time with her family. She truly valued her visits with her grandchildren and great nephews and nieces.
Melanie enjoyed working and was successful in many professions, including real estate and service industry, but her passion was always helping young people and specifically those with mental illness. A compassionate, caring, patient and loving person, Melanie was a devoted advocate for mental health rights. She volunteered tirelessly for NAMI and other organizations in Salt Lake City to ensure those who were affected had the resources necessary to help them with their disease. She was also a strong supporter of the foster care program, providing a loving home to 10 children over the years, many of which stayed in touch with her.
The family thanks Dr. Dan Henry, Dr. George Nikopolous, Dr. Katie Coco and the numerous medical and care staff over the years for their compassion and comforting care of Melanie. Her family and friends are also thanked for their tireless support, especially since Greg's death.
Survived by: Her two sons, Ashley & Nathan (Adrianne), grandchildren, Braxton & Cooper, sisters, Pamela (Brad), Deborah (Ralph), Stephanie & Carolyn (Craig) her brothers, Michael & Jason and numerous nieces and nephews. Additionally, she always appreciated her relationship with her foster son, Kelly Fischer.
She was preceded in death by: Soul mate Greg, Mother Carol, Fathers Gene & Stephen, Brother-in-Law Demetrious and Niece & Soul sister Leslie.
Services will be held Friday, September 30th at 11:00 AM at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E 1300 S, SLC UT 84108. In lieu of flowers, please make charitable gifts memory of Melanie to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, online at namiut.org/take-action/donate-online or call 801.323.9900.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Deseret News on Sep. 28, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Melanie Gray-Offermann

10 Entries

Annie

May 19, 2025

I am so incredibly sad to just now see news of Melanie´s death, almost 10 yrs later sadly. Melanie and I had lost touch and I didn´t know how to reach her. She was a really beautiful person with such incredible creativity and so much talent and love to give. Melanie and I had a lot of laughs and some good cries too. She and I created some wonderful art together and talked for hours about all kinds of different things. I will say what Melanie liked talking about the most was her two boys. She had so much love for them. Melanie had a lot of struggles throughout her life but she faced them with so much courage and strength. To her family I send condolences. I am sad to lose this dear person. Annie

Bart

February 26, 2017

I saw this and wanted to say im sorry bout your loss nate your mom was very awesome i no its been a long time but think bout are parties for baseball at your parents house.

October 4, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss. I hope Jer. 29: 11,12 brings you some comfort during this difficult time.

Laura Taylor-Zumwalt

September 29, 2016

Dearest Melanie, I have such fond memories of us growing up in Meadowbrook and going through elementary, middle and high school together. We ran around our neighborhood all day long making our way to each others houses, mostly hanging out at Susan's, Cheryl's or my house. We would entertain ourselves with bike rides, going to the pool if we could find a parent to drive us, going to the golf course to buy French fries or over to the frost top to eat. We would talk about everything and anything and solve the worlds problems because we were sure we knew everything. You were a very nice, sweet, gentle person and I feel so fortunate to have known and hung out with you. Even after we both got married we reconnected and when I would come to Utah we would try to meet up for lunch or dinner. I was glad to get to know Greg and will always remember our times together. I know you are at peace and soaring with the eagles now. Love you, Laura Taylor Zumwalt

Jan Smith La Bard

September 29, 2016

Melanie, you were such a sweet friend in High School. (Kearns High School, 1970)

Melanie was one in a million and always so kind to everyone. She was fun to be around and was accepting of different types of people, ideas, and beliefs.

My sincerest condolences to the family at the loss of your mom and grandmother. I am sure that you have many beautiful memories. May you be comforted at this time.

Robert Triptow

September 29, 2016

I've known Melanie since we were eight. She was always one of my favorite people, very sweet and compassionate. As a child I once had a major melt-down at school; she was the only kid to show me complete sympathy. I never forgot that and never will.

H Herzog

September 28, 2016

Nate, I'm sorry to hear about your loss. I didn't know your father had also passed. I have fond memories of them at our many baseball games or seeing them at Smiths. My sincerest condolences

Carroll Weems Trent

September 28, 2016

Bless you Melanie, my prayer is that you have been embraced and welcomed home by our Lord Jesus. And that all pain and suffering is gone forever. Thank you for your smiling face,
Your beautiful kind presence, and always your friendship.

September 28, 2016

Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your love one. May the God of peace and comfort give you strength during this most difficult time. (Psalms 29:11).

HP

Cary Fullerton

September 28, 2016

Dear Melanie, Words can not speak how much you have meant to me over the years, We had such good times going shopping, Garage Sales, and Las Vegas and just sitting around talking to each other. I will always value our conversation's and many other things you did for me and my family. I will always hold you in my heart and remember all the advice you gave to me over many years. I will miss you dearly. Love and hugs,kisses forever. Love You Cary

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