Melinda Jill Henninger

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Melinda Jill Henninger, our daughter, our sister, our aunt, and our friend. She entered the world on March 9, 1968 and left us on June 26, 2026. For 58 years her irrepressible joy for life and love for her family and friends provided a radiance that helped everyone who knew her to see the world in a kinder light.

> Mindy loved laughter and people most of all. Despite her disabilities, Mindy never allowed anything to stand in her way of loving and showing that love to the people in her life. Quick to shake hands and even quicker to smile, she knew no strangers. Our Mindy was a courageous girl. From competing in the Special Olympics and winning medals to trips to Canada, she held nothing back. After her birth, her physicians predicted that she would never walk — she would go on to defy all of their prognoses one step at a time, inspiring all of us who knew her to challenge and defy what we once thought impossible. She lived every day this way, relentless and tenacious in her devotion to the people whom she loved. And if you were one of those lucky enough to know her then you also understood that she loved you without doubt or restraint. Her life was truly a gift from God to all of us.

> Melinda Jill is survived by her mother, Patti, two brothers, Bret and Christian, sister-in-law Kris, niece Lauren, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her father, Laddie. She was our shining light, and though her passing leaves the world a poorer place, her loved ones are forever enriched by the wealth of joy she instilled in us. A memorial celebration honoring Mindy’s life will be held at a date to be determined later. The family asks that in lieu of flowers to please honor Mindy’s joyful and adventurous spirit by making the special people in your life smile.