Melinda Meredith

It is with very heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Melinda Lee Meredith. Surrounded in love with her family and friends, Melinda returned to her Heavenly Father on Saturday, May 3, 2014. After a valiant and courageous battle with cancer she, at last, found peace.

Melinda was born July 31, 1942 in Los Angeles, CA to proud parents, Marjorie R. and Lavern L. Ford. She had two siblings, brother, Jack and sister, Margaret. The family relocated to Columbus, (Arlington) Ohio, where she grew up. She graduated from Ohio State University with a Bachelors in Education and received her Masters in Education at Cal State Northridge. Melinda married William “Mac” McBride and had one son, Brett McBride. Shortly thereafter, Melinda and Brett moved to Southern California. Melinda taught at Manzanita Elementary School in Newbury Park for 30 years. In 1974, she married Leslie “Les” Meredith. She then became step-mom to two more children, Laurie and Jon. At the time of her death Melinda resided in her dream home on the beach in Ventura.

Melinda was preceded in death by her husband, Les, her father, Lavern Ford and her sister, Margaret Schommer. She is survived by her mother, Marjorie Ford of Ventura; son, Brett McBride, (Jennifer); grandson, Mason Antonio McBride, step-daughter, Laurie Oberlander (Rod); step-son, Jon Meredith (Debbie); grandsons, David Huston and Geoffrey Stebner; brother, Jack Ford (Soledad), of Camarillo; brother-in-law, Ron Schommer; 5 nephews, Curt Schommer, Kyle Schommer, Brien Ford, Christopher Ford, Nick Ford and their families; and her former husband, Mac McBride (Lynda), of Ft. Myers, Florida.

Melinda will be sorely missed. She will be remembered by her loving and giving spirit. Melinda loved to laugh, had an infectious giggle and she had a dynamic personality. She enjoyed long walks on the beach, the occasional mimosa, playing Bunco, and was an avid traveler. Melinda also recognized the act of giving back, working for some charitable causes and supporting her churches. She volunteered at Pierpont School in Ventura, and Operation Embrace at Harbor Community Church in Ventura where she attended services. She had also been a part of the congregation at Community Presbyterian in Ventura. Melinda also had a lot of friends through The Friendship Connection in Ventura. Beside all of her commitments, her favorite past-time was spending time with her grandson, Mason. She was the perfect grandmother, Mason and Grandma were true kindred spirits, Mason will always be Grandma‘s “Sugar”, as she so often called him.

Melinda’s light shone brightly through everything she loved, especially her love of family and her dedication to the Lord Jesus Christ. Not even grave infirmity could steal her joy or hinder her zest for life. All of this goes to the amazing character of Melinda Lee Meredith.

A Memorial Service was held on May 9, 2014 at The Pierpont Inn, standing room only, of course. In lieu of flowers, please remember Operation Embrace at Harbor Community Church, 3100 Preble Ave Ventura, CA 93001, Attn: Jennifer Garcia and memo Melinda Meredith.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura