Melinda McIntier Kirkham

Melinda was the light of so many lives. She carried joy, happiness, and random pairs of holiday glasses everywhere she went. She embodied what it meant to love, and for that, she was also loved deeply. Our hearts are truly broken.

Melinda was born on August 17th, 1976 to Alan and Charlotte McIntier, and she quickly established herself as the head of the household. She was born to be a big sister, and truly came into her own as her sister Jenny and little brother Jeff came along. She found so much joy in being their big sister, and they loved following her around and doing everything she told them to do.

Melinda Graduated from Taylorsville High School in 1994, and then received a vocal scholarship to attend Dixie College. She later studied early childhood education at Westminster College. Melinda had many different jobs. It never mattered where it was or what she was doing, she brought joy and happiness to all of her co-workers. She was such a valuable member to every team she was on.

Melinda’s Aunt Carol perfectly described her as “the Heart and Soul of the McIntier family,” and truer words were never spoken. She was the glue that held us all together. Melinda truly found the most joy in life being Aunt Mel. She LOVED her nieces and nephews, and they loved her. She had a gift for making each of them feel like they were her favorite. But each of them truly was. Her heart was so big that she had space for everyone to be a favorite. This was just how she lived and made people feel. And not just people, also her beloved dogs: Bandit, Sparky, and little Sam.

Melinda also had the opportunity to be a stepmother to her three stepsons: Kaiden, Kailob, and Iizik, and she gave them a wonderful example of unconditional love and kindness.

Melinda found her true love, Michael Kirkham, and married him on August 6th, 2022. She truly blossomed with Mike. He loved her deeply and pushed her to do things she had never done in her life, from biking and skiing to swimming in the ocean. Her family always looked forward to receiving the weekend picture updates of all their adventures. Mike had a unique way of making her feel safe and protected while he pushed her to become more. Adventure was always in her soul, but Mike pulled it out of her. They were truly perfect for each other.

Melinda is survived by her husband Mike, her parents Alan and Charlotte McIntier, her sister Jenny (Greg) Childs, her brother Jeff (Abby) McIntier, her nieces Savanna, Aubry (Julio), Perry, Nora, Charlie, and Payton, and her nephews Max, Freddie, Oscar, Wesley, Sawyer, Stewart, and Spencer.

Fly high, Mel. Watch over us like you always have. Until we meet again. We love you so much.