Melodie Ann Echols (Palmer)'s Obituary
Melodie Ann Echols (Palmer) passed away on December 29, 2024 in Lehi, UT at the age of 77.
Melodie was the oldest child of Ivins Palmer and Irita Hundley, born on October 21, 1947 in San Diego, CA. Much of her childhood was spent moving frequently while following her father in the Navy, but her favorite location was always in Thatcher, AZ with her beloved Grandma Motes. We know that heavenly reunion was sweet.
While participating on the Pom Pom team at Eastern Arizona College, Melodie met and later married Michael E. Forte, captain of the basketball team. They welcomed and loved five children into their home in Phoenix, AZ: Michael, Timothy, Summer, Clinton, and Rhapsody. They divorced 27 years later.
Melodie continued her love of dance all her life. She was proud to be a Jazzercise instructor for 15 years, often practicing her routines in the living room for her children to inadvertently memorize as well. She brought so much joy to those she instructed with her high energy, enthusiasm, and good humor to musical classics such as “Great Balls of Fire,” “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag,” and “The Safety Dance.” She often volunteered to teach classes to kids at Tavan Elementary School and church girls’ camp at Camp Lo-Mia. People still comment about her fun personality, warmth, and “Jazz hands.”
Melodie retired after 24 years of working at her neighborhood Safeway Grocery Store as a bakery clerk. She was committed to “Superior Customer Service” and won countless awards for her assistance. Customers easily became her friends. She brightened the day of so many. She was always known for being everyone’s favorite “free cookie lady.”
Her faith in Jesus Christ motived her in all that she did. She was a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She loved teaching children’s primary classes, leaving behind boxes of carefully colored and cut lesson materials showing her dedication. She enjoyed serving in the temple weekly and found great peace there. She was often found helping a friend by juicing oranges, giving rides, mopping floors, distributing food, and making blankets for charity because “that’s what Jesus would do.”
Melodie’s greatest assets in life have always been her family—her five children, 20 grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. Rocking babies, watching ball games, and traveling to visit her family brought her tremendous joy. Her family’s successes were her triumphs. She loved her family with all her heart.
In May 2022, Melodie married the man of her dreams, Richard Echols. Nothing made her more happy. They enjoyed traveling, home projects, gardening, and movies with popcorn. Dementia and health complications cut their time together short. Their love story will continue in the next life.
She is survived in death by her husband, Richard Echols and her five children, Michael Forte (Sheila), Tim Forte (Michele), Summer Peterson Spratt, Clint Forte (Mandy), and Rhapsody Eyring (Jordan), as well as her 20 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Melodie’s memorial will be held on January 25, 2025 at 10 AM at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 745 N. Val Vista Drive, Mesa, AZ 85213.
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