Melinda Zarate Chavana

A memorial service celebrating her life and legacy will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 1:00 PM in the chapel of Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home 5701 Highway 277 S. in Abilene. Family and friends are welcomed to wear pink or floral in honor of Melinda's favorite color pink.

Melinda was born on January 28, 1971, in Paducah, Texas. She was the youngest of twelve children born to the late Jesus Flores Zarate and San Juana (Lozano) Zarate. She was raised in Dickens, Texas where she grew up in a migrant farming family. She and her siblings learned a strong work ethic at young age. One of her childhood memories was playing monopoly with her siblings, her love for the game continued throughout life as she loved collecting monopoly games. She graduated from Patton Springs High School in 1989.

She later furthered her education and obtained a Bachelor’s degree. Melinda was always ambitious taking on a new journey. She began her professional career working in agriculture as a crop agent.

She lived in several locations: California, Oklahoma, Kansas and settled back in Texas. After leaving the insurance field and moving to Abilene she transitioned to careers in education with Abilene ISD, Human Resources with the French Robertson and was currently employed with Child Protective Services. Her most fulfilling role was being a mother to her three children who she devoted herself to.

Melinda married Jose Francisco Chavana on July 21, 2014, merging families together. Their relationship was built on love and devotion to each other. Melinda’s faith was a cornerstone in her life. While living in Kansas she became especially active within her local church and served in many ministries. She loved collecting, crocheting and being creative. She absolutely loved being a grandma, going above and beyond to spoil her grandchildren. She enjoyed the simple pleasures in life like watching her favorite TV shows while crocheting and being surrounded by family. Each year she looked forward to the Zarate family holiday gathering. She will be remembered for her kindness and giving to those she loved.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Samuel Zarate and her grandson Hunter Reyes.

She leaves to cherish precious memories her devoted husband, Jose Chavana; her three children, Shellbe McGuire (Robert), Serena Bernal and Jason Lederman, II(Brianna); stepchildren, Joseph(Maddie), Ruthanna and Andrew Chavana; grandchildren, Remington, Paytn, Savanna and Tony, Jr.; siblings, Benita Zarate Moreno, Isabel Zarate, Jesus L. Zarate, Andy Zarate, Patricia Zarate Franklin, Mary Lou Zarate Burks, Stephen Zarate, Alicia Zarate Jacobs, Yolanda Zarate Kautz and Esther Zarate Vanderwal; her cats, Patches and Luna.