Melanie Lorraine Pettit Eatchel (Buck)

Melanie Lorraine Pettit Eatchel (Buck) passed away peacefully on 22 November 2025, surrounded by loved ones. She was born on 19 June 1964 on an Army base in Ft. Polk, Louisiana, to Dorothy and Donald Pettit. Although born in Louisiana, she was raised in Sandy and West Jordan, Utah.

Melanie was a spirited soul who left her mark on everyone she knew. She was an avid crafter and loved making items to decorate not just her own home but also those of her friends and family. Crafting and making gifts for people truly brought her joy. Melanie loved music across many genres and cherished endless memories of songs and concerts. She found excitement in the thrill of fast motorcycles and fast cars. Melanie loved getting dressed up and having great nails. She enjoyed outdoor adventures and made many memories with friends and family at the sand dunes, camping, fishing, and just sharing time together in the outdoors. She also enjoyed volunteering on support crews for several Wasatch 100 Mile Endurance Runs. She never turned down an ice cream run, especially if friends were coming along.

Melanie married Alan Loyd Eatchel in 1981 and had three children before they later divorced. She survived leukemia in her 30’s and endured many health battles throughout her life. Most of Melanie’s jobs were helping customers and businesses. After raising her children, Melanie proudly earned a Bachelor’s degree. The later years of Melanie’s life were spent facing medical ailments, but she maintained her love of crafting, decorating, shopping, and music. She also found some peace in a renewed relationship with her faith.

Melanie was preceded in death by her mother, Dorothy May Pettit. She is survived by: her father, Donald Lessley Pettit; her siblings Evan, Michael, Kenneth, Amanda, and Alysia (Richard Malmström); her children Andrew Eatchel (Candice Hilton), Falysia Mangrum (Joe), and Whitney Chipman (Carson); and her grandchildren Skye, Harper, Charlotte, and Beckett.

A casual celebration of Melanie’s life for family and friends will be held on Friday, 28 November 2025, from 6 to 8 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints building located at 7115 S 3200 W, West Jordan, Utah. Please come enjoy ice cream with us and celebrate memories with Melanie.