Melinda Marie (Hill) Sayamontry

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

- 2 Timothy 4:7

Melinda Marie Sayamontry went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by her loving family, after a courageous 11-year battle with metastatic breast cancer. She was 43 years old. Melinda faced every challenge with strength, faith, and a heart full of love - never losing her spark, her humor, or her deep care for the people around her. She was a warrior in every sense - the strongest woman you could ever meet - determined, full of faith, love and resilience.

Melinda was born on May 18, 1981, in Springfield, Oregon, to Earl and Janice Hill. The youngest and only daughter, with three older brothers which explains her toughness and quick wit, Melinda held her own from the very beginning. Born exactly one year after the eruption of Mt. St. Helens, you might even say the earth just couldn't handle two explosive forces on the same day - so it made room for her the following year. Her fiery spirit, strength, and presence were felt from day one.

Melinda was the loving wife of Edward Sayamontry. The two met in July of 2008 and were married on March 14, 2009. Their journey together wasn't without its ups and downs, but through it all, one thing remained constant: Edward deeply loved Melinda. Together, they shared 16 years of marriage and a strong, shared faith in Jesus that carried them through every season of life. They welcomed their daughter Emma and together raised a blended family that included Melinda's older children - Julia, Colby, and Jorja.

She was the proud and adoring mother of four children, who were the absolute center of her world. Her love for them was fierce, unwavering, and the driving force behind everything she did. She poured her heart into motherhood, creating a home full of warmth, humor, and love. Her love for her family was boundless and unconditional, and being a mom was her greatest pride and joy.

Melinda was also a beloved sister to her three older brothers and a cherished sister-in-law to five, as well as a fun, thoughtful aunt to 14 nieces and nephews. She had a gift for showing up - for being present, supportive, and full of life Melinda loved the holidays - Her excitement and joy made every celebration feel extra special.

Melinda had a passion for the little things that made life sweet. She loved animals - sometimes more than people, as she'd openly admit - and found comfort and companionship in her furry friends. She had a flair for shopping, an eye for anything pink (her favorite color), and a deep love for simply spending time with her family, turning everyday moments into cherished memories. She had a way of making every moment feel special.

Melinda had a strong work ethic and a heart for service that shone through in every job she took on. For many years, she owned and operated her own in-home daycare - a choice that allowed her to spend extra time with her own children while also caring for others with incredible patience, warmth, and love. The daycare often included a few of her nieces and a nephew, making it even more special. It was a place that felt like a second home for everyone in her care - filled with laughter, security, and the steady, nurturing presence that made Melinda so special. She later worked as a phlebotomist, where her gentle touch and calming presence left a lasting impression on those she cared for. Melinda also returned to Papa's Pizza on and off throughout the years, where she worked hard, gave advice to the teens she worked alongside, and always brought a smile. In every role she stepped into, she showed up with commitment, compassion, and a genuine desire to help others.

Her strength in the face of adversity inspired everyone who knew her. Through every doctor's visit, every treatment, and every hard day, she never stopped fighting. And through it all, her faith in Jesus remained steadfast. She lived with grace, courage, and a heart full of love.

Above all, Melinda loved Jesus - a deep and unwavering faith that she shared with her whole family. That faith carried her through every season, including 11 incredibly difficult years of treatment, setbacks, and small victories. Even in pain, she shined. Even in struggle, she loved. Her spirit never wavered, and her heart never stopped giving. Melinda leaves behind a legacy of strength, honesty, humor, and love. She was a fighter, a caretaker, a mother, a sister, a friend - and the kind of woman you simply don't forget.

A celebration of Melinda's life will be held on Thursday, April 3rd at 4:30 PM at Eastside Baptist Church in Springfield, Oregon. All who knew and loved her are welcome to come honor her memory, her strength, and her faith.

Those wishing to honor Melinda may do so by sending flowers to Eastside Baptist Church for the celebration of life service, or by making a donation in her memory to the City of Hope, whose care and compassion supported her throughout her journey. Donations can be made at www.cityofhope.org.