Melanie Ann Lee

Melanie Ann Lee passed away peacefully at home on March 7th, 2025. She was born to Walter and Phyllis Cottrill on October 6th, 1952, at MGMC. A family picnic will be held in Melanie’s honor on May 11th, 2025, at Brookside Park Hickory Shelter in Ames, Iowa from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

She grew up in Ames, Iowa, happy and carefree with her brothers and sister; Linda Fullerton of Nevada, Iowa, Dave Cottrill of Ames, Iowa, Jeff Cottrill of St. Paul, Minnesota, and Christopher Cottrill of Boone, Iowa. She loved being outdoors and would go camping, fishing and walking the river but mostly, she loved family get togethers. Especially the family reunions! She loved Ames and being so close to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed working at Iowa State University events with her father and her siblings. She worked at Ames Schools, ISU, and MGMC Heartland Senior Services was her favorite job. She graduated from Ames High in 1970 and after graduation, she joined the Army. This is where she met, married, and would later divorce, Richard Lee. From this union, they had a daughter, Jessica Marie Lee.

Melanie is survived by her sister, Linda Fullerton; her bothers, David (Pat) Cottrill, Jeff (Pam) Cottrill, and Christopher Cottrill; her daughter, Jessica (Gary) Marlatt; her grandchildren, Cythina (Dan) Marlatt-Bivens, Sarah (Brian) Grady, Christopher (Jenny) Marlatt, Tabitha Lee; and her great grandchildren, Holland, LeeAnn, Annabelle, Norah, Dean, Wayne, Lilly, and Edward. She will be missed by the many nieces, nephews, and cousins around the United States.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to an animal shelter in Melanie’s memory.