Melanie Jayne Retzke

Melanie Jayne Retzke, 70, of Leicester, NC, passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, at Mission Hospital in Asheville, NC. She was born on December 31, 1952, in Columbus, OH, to the late Franklin Albert and Dorothey Viola Retzke.
Mel was a proud graduate of Virginia Tech University, where she played basketball, and was an avid supporter of Ohio State football. Mel was a talented musician, playing several instruments and singing with the Reuter Center Singers at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNCA, where she also volunteered and took continuing education classes. She was well-traveled in Europe, Canada, and all 50 US states, and she enjoyed photographing her travels as well as the beloved mountains of her adopted state.
Mel is survived by her brother, David Retzke (Terri), her sister, Miriam Retzke, niece, Stephanie Retzke (Travis), and grandniece, Madelynn, as well as many cousins and friends.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Melanie J. Retzke Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina or the Pampered Pets in Leicester, NC.
Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the family.