Melissa Widener, 42, of Weippe, Idaho went peacefully to be with the Lord on Tuesday
(February, 28, 2017) at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center after a five year battle with cancer.
She was the beloved wife of twenty-one years to Michael Widener of Weippe. Melissa went
Home to be with the Lord surrounded by her friends and family.
Melissa was born in Lewiston, Idaho on July 11, 1974 and grew up in Benton city, Washington where she met the love of her life. She was the daughter of Ray McElroy and the late Sandra
(Merrill) McElroy. Melissa graduated from Kiona-Benton City High School in 1991 and married her high school sweetheart, Michael, on July 6, 1996. The couple moved to Weippe, Idaho in 2009 to take over Mountain Meadows Baptist Church.
Along with being a devoted Pastor’s wife and serving in their church, she loved to craft and lend her hand to anyone who needed it. She took pride in her home and being a wonderful mother to
her seven children. She enjoyed being in her garden with her “littles” and homeschooling her older kids.
Melissa is survived by her husband, Michael; her seven children, Annabella, Madaleine, Theron, Emilee, Garrett, Lainey and Georgia; along with her father, Ray McElroy and his wife, Lynn; her brother, Jim and Megan McElroy of Medical Lake, WA; and her sister, Karin and Alex Malysheff of Everett, WA. Melissa also leaves behind her eleven nieces and nephews, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.
A family graveside service will be held on Friday, March 10th at 10:00 AM at the Evergreen Cemetery in Benton City, WA followed by a family luncheon. A Celebration of Life for Melissa's friends and family will be held at Bethel Church in Prosser, Washington on March 10th at 1:00 PM with coffee and refreshments immediately following. You may leave a message for the family at www.prosserfuneralhome.com