MELISSA MARIE BROWN

1968 - 2026

Melissa Marie Brown, 57, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Melissa was born April 18, 1968, in Amery, Wisconsin to Gale and Brenda Pederson. Melissa's early years took her to New Mexico, Idaho, England, Utah, and Illinois where she graduated from Rantoul High School in May 1986. Soon after graduation the family relocated back to Utah following her father's retirement from the U.S. Air Force.
As the oldest sibling, Melissa naturally stepped into a role of leadership. She embraced it with grace, strength, and an example her brothers and sister deeply admired. Her childhood was filled with adventure and love for the outdoors, hunting, fishing, softball, swimming and wherever life took her. On August 22, 1990, she married the love of her life, Ricky D. Brown, in Layton, Utah. Together they built a beautiful life and raised four amazing children, Cody, Derrick, Marissa, and Sierra - who were the center of her world. She also adored her three grandchildren, whose presence brightened every moment.
Melissa treasured time spent with her family, especially outdoors. Whether hunting, fishing, camping, attending concerts, watching movies, or simply being together. She enjoyed tending her ranch and caring for her animals with Rick in Taylor, Utah. Melissa was also an avid reader, a talented home canner, and was especially known for her famously delicious freshly canned salsa.
She built a remarkable 27-year career at Parker Hannifin Aerospace CFCD in Ogden, Utah, where she proudly became one of the division's first female machinists. Over the years she served as a Deburr Technician, Lathe Operator/Machinist, Material Scheduler, and Assembly and Test Technician. Melissa's dedication, talent, and mentoring spirit made her a natural leader and a cherished friend to many within her extended "work family." She retired in December 2025.
Melissa loved cheering on her favorite sports teams with enthusiasm and loyalty. She especially enjoyed rooting for NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon, the Atlanta Braves, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, and her beloved Dallas Cowboys.
Melissa was preceded in death by her mother, Brenda Pederson; sister, Michelle Smith; uncle, Edward Burnsed; aunt, Marie Knippel; and grandfather, Harvey Pederson.
She is survived by her husband, Ricky Brown; her children, Cody (Kindra) Brown, Derrick (Brooke) Brown, Marissa (Caleb) Taylor, and Sierra Brown; her father, Gale Pederson; and her brothers, Dana Pederson and Paul (Kristie) Pederson. She also leaves behind three treasured grandchildren: Wyatt Brown, Weston Brown, and Oliver Brown.
"I will always love you; you are forever in my heart." - Rick Brown
Funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, February 4, at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 4050 S. 3900 W., West Haven. Friends may visit with family on Tuesday, February 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. with Rosary at 7:30 p.m. followed by a vigil service at Lindquist's Roy Mortuary, 3333 W. 5600 S. Interment, West Weber Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please donate to breast cancer awareness, St. Mary's Catholic Church in West Haven or the Taylor 3rd ward with the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Condolences may be shared at: www.lindquistmortuary.com