Suzanne Giles Melin

(November 1, 1929 – December 21, 2024)

“…Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Suzanne Giles Melin passed away at the age of 95 in Rancho Mission Viejo December 21, 2024

Suzanne was the last of five children born to Milton Eldridge Giles and Sara Elizabeth Wolcott in Pasadena California. Her deceased siblings include sister Marlow and brothers Bob, Wallace and Paul.

Born in the shadows of the financial collapse of 1929, this shaped her compassion for those in need resulting in a deep commitment to her faith and philanthropy. Suzanne graduated from South Pasadena High School being gifted in theater and academia. She attended UC California Berkeley before marrying Richard “Dick” Spencer Tobey in 1948. The marriage ended in 1952, but she was blessed with her first child, Linda Ann in 1949.

Suzanne (“Suzy”) met Arthur (“Spud”) Melin through a mutual friend, Richard Knerr. These two USC classmates were developing their business, Whamo-O at that time. Suzy’s outgoing personality matched Spud’s inquisitive nature as the company expanded and became iconic in the toy industry during the 1950s - 1980s. They were married in 1953. She became an active product demonstrator and promoter for many of the products which included the Hula Hoop, Frisbee, Slip-n-Slide and Super Ball. They were blessed with Sally Parks, June Dae, Carol Kelso, and Della Suzanne while Wham-O became more successful.

Suzanne was fun-loving, adventurous and loved the outdoors. Spud exposed both her and their children to falconry, skeet-shooting, camping, lake and deep-sea fishing, snorkeling, golf, tennis, boogie boarding, skiing and traveling. She loved bird and animals so the house was always filled with some type of pet. Since she enjoyed the arts, her friends and family accompanied her to the theater, concerts, and exhibits.

Suzanne was introduced to church in her early years through her mother. She became deeply committed to her Christian faith. She was a core leader for Community Bible Study (CBS) for several years and facilitated prayer chains. In her younger years Suzanne struggled with alcohol use but declared sobriety at the age of 36. Strengthened and fortified by returning to her faith, she considered this to be one of her greatest accomplishments. For the remainder of her life Suzy continued to aid others by sponsoring them in AA and encouraging their recovery and reliance on God.

Her generosity extended to numerous Gospel outreach and missionary charities locally and abroad. Some of her philanthropic activities were with the Orange County Community Foundation and the Alzheimer’s Association of Orange County after Spud was diagnosed. She also became a donor and twenty-year research participant for the University of California Irvine Mind Institute for Memory Impairments and Neurological Disorders in honor of her husband.

Suzanne has left a wonderful legacy of love, kindness, generosity and faith to her family and everyone that knew her. She was a faithful example for her children and a well-loved grandmother and great grandmother. She gifted generously to support the educational endeavors of her children and grandchildren as well as demonstrated stewardship of God’s blessings by helping others. We will all miss her deeply. May we celebrate Suzanne Melin’s positive impact she has had on our lives.

Suzanne is survived by her five daughters Linda Melin of Irvine, Sally Melin of El Cajon, June Melin and husband Scott Olson of San Diego, Carol and husband Jerry Denham of Ladera Ranch, Della and husband Jim Peterson of Santa Barbara, CA.

Eleven grandchildren: Cole Macy, Ila Henderson, Dane & Sarah Macy, Courtney Meyer, Kelsey Steindler, Tessa Armstrong & Garrett Denham, Reed, David & Jason Peterson; and eighteen great-grandchildren: Misty, Payton, Parker & Decker Meyer, Kaylyn, Dylan & Luke Henderson, Canaan, Henley & Capri Steindler, Cash, Layla, Maverick & Waylon Armstrong, Greyson, Jackson & Weston Denham, Annalise Macy.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her honor are welcomed at either:

Alzheimer’s Association of Orange County

https://www.alzoc.org/

Arthur Melin Family Fund c/o Orange County Community Foundation

please contact Carol Ferguson
949-553-4202 x227

email: [email protected]