Inez H. Melvin

Inez H. Melvin (Slater), 87, of Wildwood, Fla. and Boyne Falls, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2018. Inez was born in Bay City, the daughter of Will and Fern Slater. Inez was one of nine children. She was the last of the original Slaters.

She married Kay Russell Melvin on Dec. 12, 1953 after being high school sweethearts. Together they raised three children, Craig, Terri and Brian. They have remained in love for almost 65 years of marriage.In high school at Bay City Central, she lettered in sports. Even though she was short in stature, she was feisty - she lettered in basketball.She held a bachelor of arts and master's degrees in education from Central Michigan University. Inez loved being a teacher and taught for 28 years in the Bay County and Midland Public School systems. Her last teaching assignment was third grade at Woodcrest Elementary where she formed lifelong friendships and was involved in many volunteer efforts.Inez made a point to be involved in church communities in Florida and Michigan. She worked tirelessly for those less fortunate through many different programs and teams including gardening, clothing drives and serving meals.Inez loved being outside and helping others. She sewed hundreds of custom pillow cases for both ill children in hospitals, as well as adult pillow cases for adults with long-term illnesses and hospice patients. An avid and talented quilter, she has made incredibly beautiful quilts for all her grandchildren. And could she bake! When family visited, she baked more cookies, pies, cakes and brownies then we could eat. And they were all delicious! Many of her recipes have been passed from generation to generation.She was quick with a smile and sharing a shoulder with any friend who needed it. She was humble and kind. Those who knew her, knew they were loved and could count on her. She always placed others before herself. She made fast friends with any she met and made true lifelong friendships with women from Woodcrest and here on Lake Louise. She loved her family and dogs above all else.It was true love when she met and married Kay. It is not often that people stay together for a lifetime, but rarer still that they stay in love for a lifetime. You immediately knew these two were deeply in love by the way they looked at each other, cared for each other, held hands while walking. A truer partnership and commitment to love is seldom found but, found a home with Inez and Kay.Inez is survived by her husband, Kay; daughter, Terri (Scott); son, Brian (Gabriella); daughter-in-law, Kim; and her grandchildren, Katie, (Cody), Daniel, Ryan, Nicholas and Logan. Inez was preceded in death by her eight siblings; and her son, Craig.The world is a bit darker without her, and heaven truly gained an angel with her passing.Services will be held Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018 at Lake Louise Community Retreat Center, located at 11037 Thumb Lake Road, Boyne Falls MI 49713. A gathering of friends and family will start at 10 a.m., with memorial service at 11 a.m. Lunch will be served immediately after the service.Flowers can be sent to 883 S. Birch Circle, Boyne Falls MI 49713. If you prefer, a remembrance donation may be made to the following chosen charities: the American Heart Association or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.Arrangements are by Stone Funeral Home of Petoskey. Friends and family are also welcome to share memories or offer condolences online at www.stonefuneralhomeinc.com