Melinda June Markley

Melinda June Markley, nee Stricklin, of Bourbon, MO was born on September 17, 1963, in Paw Paw, Michigan, to Hollis Edmond Stricklin and Hazel Irene Smith-Strickland.  She passed away at her home in Bourbon, MO on March 12th, 2024 at the age of 60 years, 5 months and 24 days. Raised in Cuba, Missouri, and a proud graduate of Bourbon Missouri High School, Melinda's life was a testament to her resilience, warmth, and undying love for her family and friends.

Melinda's professional journey was as diverse as it was fulfilling. She contributed her talents to various establishments, including a mushroom factory, Hardee's, Onondaga Cave State Park, Rhinehart's Restaurant, and finally, the Missouri Department of Transportation Department (MODOT), where she left a lasting impact.

Her personal life was enriched by her marriage to Timothy F. Markley, with whom she shared over two decades of companionship, love, and mutual respect. Together, they welcomed two daughters into the world: Stacey Nicole Markley, with her spouse David Adams of Eugene, Oregon, and Summer Dawn Markley of Grand Junction, Colorado. Melinda's joy was multiplied with the arrival of her three grandchildren, Lily Ana Adams, Eli David Adams of Eugene, Oregon, and Cash Vincent Valentine Garcia of Grand Junction, Colorado.

Melinda is also survived by her loving sisters, Becky Elliott and her spouse Tim Elliott of Bourbon, Missouri, Jennifer Franklin and her spouse Glenn "Bubba" Franklin of Cuba, Missouri; and her brother, Kevin Stricklin and his wife Pamela Stricklin of Sullivan, Missouri. Her boyfriend, Steve Bull of Bourbon, Missouri, also remains to cherish her memory, along with many nieces and nephews whom she adored.

Preceded in death by her parents, Hollis and Irene Stricklin, and her sister, Sarah Jacqueline Mae Stricklin.  Melinda's legacy is also marked by the memories she shared with her nieces Brandy L. Markley, Mary Markley, and Astrid Rose Markley.

Melinda's life was a vibrant tapestry woven with her love for dragonflies, the spirited colors of tie-dye, rock music (especially Ozzy), tranquil moments spent fishing, and, most importantly, the joyous times spent with family and friends. Her spirit, characterized by kindness, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to those she loved, will be deeply missed but forever remembered.

As we bid farewell to Melinda, we are reminded of the light she brought into our lives and the enduring love she shared with us all. Her legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched, and her memory will serve as a beacon of warmth and love.

Melinda's departure leaves a void in our hearts, but her spirit will forever inspire us to cherish each moment, love deeply, and live fully. Farewell, dear Melinda, until we meet again.

The family chose cremation as her final disposition.  There were no services held.

All arrangements under the care of Hutson Funeral Home, Cuba, MO