Melinda Ann Witt June 1962- July 2022

Melinda Ann Witt lived an inspiring life: rich in adventure, deep friendships, happiness, and love. Everyone who met her felt Melinda’s spirit and kindness. Melinda peacefully passed away in the morning on Sunday, July 3, surrounded by family in her home in Arizona after a courageous battle with cancer.

Melinda was born on June 7, 1962, in Portland, where she spent her early childhood years.

She and her family later moved across the river to Washington, where she was raised and attended Camas schools.

Melinda was an outgoing spirit in her youth — well-liked, active in numerous sports, and a cheerleader at Camas High.

Melinda was a natural athlete, enjoying water skiing, snow skiing, and equestrian events.

In 1980, she was crowned St. Paul Rodeo Queen.

In the same year she began her working career at Lacamas Community Credit Union, going on to work for 16 years, advancing from the teller line to marketing manager.

In 1982, Melinda married Dale Ross and soon brought son Spencer and daughter Shelby into the world.

Melinda played an active role within the credit union industry and the Camas community, serving as president of the Camas Chamber of Commerce for the 1992-1993 term. She met Brian Witt, a Pacific Northwest credit union attorney, marrying in 1994. A year later, they celebrated the birth of their son Dillon.

The Witts began raising their family in Portland. Melinda was a devoted and loving mother of her children. The family moved to Sisters in 1999 to enjoy life at a different pace, in a community of close friends and boundless natural beauty and recreation. Melinda did not miss a school activity or sporting event of the kids: Cub scouts, Little League baseball, 4-H and equestrian events, volleyball, sporting clays, Outlaws golf, football and baseball games, and downhill ski racing. She was also very involved with Sisters community organizations and the Sisters Schools Foundation.

Melinda made it her ambition to set goals and pursue them diligently. Whether it was doing Cycle Oregon, climbing South Sister on a memorial hike, competing in tennis tournaments, or later becoming a very accomplished pickleball champion (winning over a dozen Arizona and Oregon doubles tournaments, including the 2019 USA Pickleball National bronze medal in Indian Wells), she committed herself to the challenge.

Family and friends were the highlight of Melinda’s life. Her greatest joy in life was watching her family pursue their passions and dreams. She was a doting mother for her three children and her three grandchildren: Ally, Stevie, and Riggin, who were the light of her last years, always brightening her days, even the hardest ones. Melinda’s warm heart, caring relationships, and love of life will be deeply and forever missed by family and friends.

Melinda is survived by her husband, Brian; son Spencer and daughter-in-law Taylor; daughter Shelby and son-in-law AJ; son Dillon; grandchildren: Ally, Stevie, and Riggin; as well as her mother, Virginia; and her siblings: Blaine, Brian, and Rana.

For those wishing to honor Melinda, her family will host a Celebration of Life on September 8 at 5:30 p.m. at FivePine Conference Center in Sisters. For those wishing to make donations, please consider: OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, OHSU Foundation, P.O. Box 29017, Portland, OR 97296, https://give.ohsufoundation.org in honor of Melinda Witt.