Beverly "Bev" Melichar

Beverly Jean (Godshalk) Melichar passed away peacefully surrounded by family on September 18, 2025, after a brief illness. Bev was born in South Bend, Indiana, on May 17, 1938, to Ted and Eda Godshalk. She graduated from Washington Clay High School in 1955. She received her bachelor's degree from Wittenberg University in 1959, followed by a master's degree in Dietetics at Ohio State University. Bev married her high school sweetheart, Ronald Melichar, in June 1961, and they started their life together at Indiana University-Bloomington with Ron in law school and Bev working as a Foods Manager in the IU residence halls. Bev and Ron ultimately settled in Lafayette, Indiana, where they built their life and family while serving their community throughout their 53 years of marriage. Bev is survived by her four children, Gretchen Coffman (Mike), Jim Melichar (Amanda), Tom Melichar (Karen), and Jason Melichar. She was a loving grandmother to 8 grandchildren-Matt, Lauren, Poppy, Abby (Keegan), Andrew, Tommy, Holly and Jack-plus 5 step-grandchildren, all of whom she considered special blessings. She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Ron, and her brother, Jim. Bev was an avid volunteer at several organizations, including Wabash Valley Hospital Learning Center and the YWCA Women's Shelter. She was an active member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, Tri Kappa, Hillwood Extension Homemakers, Lafayette Symphony Guild, and Kappa Delta sorority. She and her family were longtime members of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Bev appreciated many wonderful and special friends through her many interests, which included: bridge, travel, crafting, sewing, gardening, tennis, and watching sports, especially Big Ten basketball. She was also a ruthless competitor at the euchre table while enjoying time with family. Some of her fondest memories include walking in Clegg Gardens with several beloved and special dogs over the years. Visitation will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 23rd, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1005 N. 21st Street, immediately followed by a funeral service at 12:00 p.m. Memorial contributions in Bev's honor may be made to YWCA Greater Lafayette, NICHES Land Trust or the Humane Society for Greater Lafayette.