Rest assured, in her final challenge at 45 years old, Melanie gave cancer her warrior-style battle with strength and faith, along with extraordinary care from her loving and devoted husband, Alex Ruvalcaba. Melanie Cecelia Sue arrived to proud parents, Roland and Barbara (Carrillo) Sue on November, 27, 1977 in Porterville, CA where she became an active member of St. Anne’s Church. Her early educational years included California schools in Porterville, Chino Hills, Fresno and Madera while her hobbies included dancing, music and sports.
As a young adult, she moved on to obtain Bachelor’s Degrees in Women’s Studies and Chicana/Chicano Studies from UCLA. Discovering a passion in service, fundraising, and excellence-in-health, Melanie became an expert agent of humanitarian and community service as she worked for numerous public health organizations. Her fine reputation in the field of public health flourished; at the same time, she gained tremendous lifelong friendships.
In 2001, she became a new homeowner in Fresno where she was able to help care for her grandmother Mary Stella Carrillo for several years. During this time, she met a new best friend, Alex Ruvalcaba. They discovered their love of family as Alex rallied in also caring for Grandma C. They fell in love and were thrilled to be married at St. Paul Newman Center on October 13, 2007. Joyfully, they were blessed with two miracle children, Carmen Jade and Marcus Joaquin, presently 14 and 6 years old respectively, who share the same birthdate!
With Melanie’s interest in service and healthy lifestyles, another remarkable achievement was her diligence to earn a Masters Degree of Public Health from CSUFresno. Ultimately, her current position was that of Division Manager of Policy and Wellness for the Fresno County Department of Public Health. She was well recognized for her congeniality, contributions, intelligence and achievements.
Always seeking cross-culture experiences, Melanie traveled to Ireland, South Korea, India, Africa, Canada and Japan. Alex joined her as they discovered Spain, Mexico and Costa Rica. They also traveled throughout the US. Locally, she was active in organizations such as Bicycling and Running clubs, along with fundraisers, competitions and CrossFit training.
Even her recent Hospice doctor commented on Melanie’s powerful muscular strength. We learned so much from Melanie’s nutrition expertise and lifestyle. Melanie’s triple-wide footprint made her a worldly first-place winner. Her superior starlight qualities will continue to shine upon earth, as well as her new home in heaven.
She leaves behind husband Alex and children Marcus and Carmen, mother Barbara Zambrano and step-father Comodoro Zambrano, dad Roland Sue, brother Brian Sue, sister-in-law Juana, a niece Vanessa Sue Bryant and her husband Joseph Bryant, nephew Brandon Sue and wife Michelle Porras, sister Alissa J. Sue and step-brother Patrick Zambrano along with many cousins, aunts and uncles.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St.Paul Newman Center 1572 E. Barstow Ave, Fresno, CA 93710, Hinds Hospice 1416 Twain Ave, Fresno, CA 93711 and/or Clovis Global Academy School 44 W. Shaw Avenue, Clovis, CA 93612.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Fresno at St. Paul Newman Center on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at 12:00 p.m.
