Melodye L. Wilbur

Melodye L. (Parkinson) Wilbur

Olathe, KS

Melodye L. Wilbur, 69, formerly of West Union, Iowa, Waukee, Iowa and most recently Olathe, Kansas passed peacefully on Thursday, January 15th, 2015 after an 8 ½ year battle with cancer.

She was born September 7th, 1945 in Maynard, Iowa to Arthur and Viola Mae Parkinson. She graduated from West Central High School of Maynard. Melodye married Dennis Wilbur in 1966. She began working for the Iowa Department of Public Safety upon graduation, retiring in 2002 after 38 years. After retirement, she worked at Wellspring Christian bookstore until 2006. Melodye was an avid collector of antiques and also enjoyed scrapbooking and travel. She traveled to 10 different countries including mission trips to Bosnia/Herzegovina. She also taught English as a second language to refugees at her church, Westchester Evangelical Free church in Des Moines, Iowa.

Melodye's true joys in life included being a loving "Nana" to her grandkids, as she traveled 360 miles every week to babysit. Her energy and enthusiasm along with her immense love was larger than life and affected everyone around her. She never let anything get in her way of happiness and made everyone feel her joy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, 5 sisters and a brother.

She is survived by her sisters Eunice Taylor of Cedar Rapids, IA, Ardith Culbertson of Grundy Center, IA and her brother, Delbert Parkinson of Phillips, WI. She is also survived by her husband of 48 years, Dennis Wilbur, her daughter Heidi Hessler and her husband, Jeff Hessler of Overland Park, and her grandchildren Evan and Megan.

A Celebration of her Life will be held on January 24, 2015, 1:00 PM at Westchester Evangelical Free Church located at 4919 Aurora Ave., Des Moines, IA 50310.

Memorial contributions may be given to Crossroads Hospice, 11150 Thompson Ave. Lenexa, KS 66219. To leave a message for the family, please visit www.Penwellgabelolathe.com