Melanie Jane Richards, 33, of Parkersburg, W.Va., passed away Sept. 21, 2012, following a brief illness.
She was born March 14, 1979, in Charleston, W.Va., to Gary C. and Mary Jane Kesterson Richards.
She graduated from Parkersburg High School on 1997 and was a member of A Capella Choir, Chamber Choir and The Journal Staff. She attended West Virginia Wesleyan, where she was a member of Concert Chorale and Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority. Prior to her illness, she was pursuing a doctorate degree in Natural Medicine and had studied at the Australian College of Natural Medicine. She was a member of Stout Memorial United Methodist Church, where she participated in the Youth group, choirs and served as an acolyte. Melanie was a very talented musician and was a juried jewelry designer for Tamarack.
She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Conard and Lucille Rinehart Richards; maternal grandparents, Harry L. and Alma Wharton Kesterson; an uncle; and three great-aunts and four great-uncles.
She is survived by her parents and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Parkersburg, with Dr. Paul Russell officiating.
Lambert-Tatman Funeral Home, 3005 Grand Central Ave., Vienna, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Please visit www.lamberttatman.com to share online condolences with the Richards family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the PHS Choral Boosters.
