Melinda M. Sutton

Melinda was born on January 9, 1991 to Erin Burns and James Bendick at Wilson Hospital. She was an exceptionally bright child with a high IQ who loved to learn. Melinda attended Chenango Forks Schools and was a recipient of the US Presidential Scholar Award.

She was currently enrolled in Broome Community College where she was working on her bachelor's degree for drug and alcohol counseling. She was a skilled welder and enjoyed shocking people with her talent. She was a creative individual who enjoyed writing poetry and making jewelry. She was recently learning macrame and crocheting and wire wrapping stones and crystals.

Melinda loved music of all genres but enjoyed live shows and festivals where she could sing and dance the entire show. She was a free spirit and wasn't afraid to live life on her terms. She was a unique and forgiving soul unable to harbor hate. She had extraordinary strength and resilience and was able to find light (in the strangest of places if you look at it right) in any part of her life especially when things seemed darkest.

Melinda was predeceased by her maternal grandparents James E. and Karen R. Burns and her uncle William Daniel Burns. She is survived by her daughter, the light of her life and her greatest treasure Anakyn Emily Rose Burns, Anakin's father Chandler and grandfather Gary Hmurcik her fur baby Kai-sinn, her friend Christopher Taylor, her mama Erin Burns-Suggs, stepfather Jonathan Suggs, sister, Miranda Barrows, her brothers Braden Burns, Zane Burns; aunt Sheryl Rutledge (Bruce), uncles Bryan and Jason Burns, cousins Joshua Burns, Mary-Jo Callaghan, Zachary Rutledge, Dylan Burns, Michelle, Lisa & William Richards, Brian & David Rutledge, Toby Root, Kori Dufford, nieces Oakley & Aleyah Burns, nephew Grayson Burns and niece Milani as well as other family members and friends.

Although our time with Melinda has come to an end, her smile, personality and creative mind will be cherished in the hearts of all who knew her.

The family will receive friends at the Wm. R. Chase & Son Funeral Home, 737 Chenango Street, Port Dickinson on Monday, February 2, 2026 from 11am - 12pm with a funeral service to follow at 12pm.