Mary Owl Melquist, an enrolled member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, was born on March 17, 1936 and died in Bellingham, Wash. on Oct. 31, 2016. She was the daughter of the late Frell and Gladys Owl, and beloved sister of Frela Owl Beck of Cherokee.
Mary had many talents. She graduated from the University of Idaho with a bachelor’s of science degree in home economics and music and worked as a high school teacher. Later, she became an RN and worked 25 years as a recovery room nurse and went on nine medical missions. She had the gift of and passion for music, especially piano. She started as an accompanist at age 9 and was involved with music her entire life. She had a special way of encouraging people to use their talents for the enjoyment of all and to the glory of God.
In 1958, she married Dean Melquist. They had two children, Ben and Tiana, and lived in Colorado for 52 years before moving to Bellingham, Wash. so that Dean could receive dementia care and to be near their daughter. Dean died in 2014.
Mary is survived by Ben (Judy) Melquist, Tiana (Norman) and their daughter, Ellie Stolzoff, sister Frela (George) Beck, nephew Emil (Annalise) Beck, niece Amy (Gene) Thompson and their sons Cliff and Austin.
To share your memories of Mary, please visit molesfarewelltributes.com.