Obituary: Melinda Sue Donovan

RIPLEY

Melinda Sue Donovan, 54, a resident of Ripley, passed away Thursday, January 11, 2018, at her daughter’s home in Baltic, with family and friends by her side following a courageous battle with cancer.

She was born January 12, 1963, in Hancock, Michigan, a daughter to Richard and Barbara (Satterley) Donovan, and was a 1981 graduate of the Hancock Central High School.
Melinda worked at Usitalo’s Service of South Range for many years. She then worked for SkyWest Airlines, the Houghton County Memorial Airport and Lawrence Company.
Melinda was married to Brian Harry for 33 years. Together they raised three children. Eventually they parted ways but remained friends. She then met Larry Julio, whom she has resided with for the past five years.
Melinda was a member of the Christian faith. She taught Sunday school at the Painesdale United Methodist Church. She was an assistant troop leader with the Cub Scouts and was a member of Usitalo’s bowling team. She enjoyed line dancing and singing karaoke with friends. Melinda had a heart of gold, never hesitating to give to others. She will be sorely missed by her loving family and friends.
Melinda was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Donovan.
She is survived by her significant other, Lawrence Julio of Ripley and his children, Lawson and Marya;
her childrens’ father, Brian Harry of Baltic;
her father, Richard (Donna) Donovan of Southfield, Mich.;
her daughters, Kristen (David) Archambeau of Baltic and their children, Braden, Katrina, D.J. and Kay Dee; Kendra (John) Gibson of Baltic and their children, Amelia, Landen, Caedence, Jase and Rylan; her son, Tyler (Marissa) Harry of Calumet and their children, Gracie Juntunen and Natalie Harry; three brothers, Ryan (Lisa) Donovan of Houghton, Jerry Donovan of Michigan, and Richard (Tia) Donovan of Waterford, Michigan; two sisters, Joan (Larry) Kotila of Hancock, and Lisa (David) Depelsmaeker of Yale, Michigan; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2018, at the Mountain View Mortuary in South Range, with Pastor Bucky Beach to officiate. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday at the mortuary. Arrangements are being handled by Antila Funeral Service, Inc. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at antilafuneral.com.