Melanie Nichole Swift - Rogers

Melanie Nichole Swift-Rogers passed from this mortal life after a courageous battle with leukemia into the loving arms of Our Father in Heaven on December 10, 2016 at the UW Medical Center with family and friends by her side. Melanie was born May 15, 1979 in Yakima, Washington to Larry and Susan Swift and grew up attending West Valley schools where she graduated from West Valley High School in 1996. Shortly after, she lived and taught skiing lessons in Jackson Hole, WY for two years. Melanie had a deep affinity for Jackson Hole and the peace and admiration she felt while there led her to the naming of her first and only son. She went on to graduate from Wenatchee Valley College and then worked for a total of 13 years as a Certified Medical/Surgery Assistant at Yakima Valley Dermatology under the tutelage of Dr. Kirk Ecklund, someone she admired greatly. In 2008, Melanie married her then-husband and the father of her son, Gavin Rogers, before their divorce in 2010.

Melanie loved music which she passed on to her son Jackson. She was an avid fan of the Dave Matthews Band and Phish and she enjoyed attending numerous concerts with her brothers and friends. Swaying to the music on a warm summer night surrounded by friends and family was one of her greatest joys. Amidst the soaring notes and sea of concert-goers, Melanie’s memory will undoubtedly abide.

The absolute greatest source of happiness in Melanie’s life--and what gave her the courage to fight her illness to the very end--was her beloved son, Jackson. Jackson was her “everything,” and together they made a memorable team. They enjoyed going on hikes, taking road trips to the Tetons and to Disneyland, sleeping under the stars, exploring the sea life on the beach in Kauai, learning new facts together, and cuddling up to watch their favorite shows. Their favorite place to go was Logan, Utah where they enjoyed their cousins so much that Jackson picked out the house near his cousin’s where they could live.

Melanie was loved and adored by many throughout her life. Through her membership and service in the LDS church, she found great support amongst her fellow members and served as a proud mentor to many young women whom she loved dearly.

In her final years, Melanie was a supreme example of how to live life with hope and courage. Melanie time and again overcame obstacles even the doctors and nurses couldn’t comprehend, often leaving them scratching their heads. While suffering greatly, she persevered with faith and a positive attitude, serving as a source of calm and comfort for her family and friends. All with whom she came into contact are stronger for having learned from her fearless fight.

During the course of her care she appreciated the many thoughts, prayers, and visits from friends from afar who kept her focused and more determined to continue her fight. Melanie was especially appreciative for the dedicated and unyielding support of her Aunt Marsha, Ozzie and Kit Park, Lance and Karen Blair, and Michelle Anderson, all of whom voluntarily sacrificed much of their time to be by her side when she needed it the most.

Melanie is preceded in death by her brother Jason; her Aunt Tammy and Uncle Randy; her cousin Matthew; and her grandparents Gene and Maxine Swift, Lamont Humpherys, and Darlene Humpherys-Beverly.

She is survived by her son Jackson, her parents and brother, Larry, Susan, and Brian Swift; her aunt and uncle and cousins Randy, Naomi, Jessica, and Taylor Swift; Marsha, Katie, and Cody Huard; Debby Wall; Sandy and Brandon Humpherys, and Jaime Smith.

Many thanks to all of Melanie’s doctors, nurses, and various staff members who cared for her at the UW Medical Center and the SCCA.

A Memorial service will be held Saturday, December 17, 2016 at 3:00pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 705 S. 38th Ave. Yakima, WA. In lieu of flowers donation may be made to the Yakima Humane Society. Those wishing to share a memory of Melanie may do so at www.keithandkeith.com