Dema Melinda Ricketson Young found her peace on June 13, 2023, after a brief illness. Melinda was born September 30, 1946, in Hart, Michigan, to Edwin Conkling and Lodema Margaret (Broceus) Ricketson. She spent her early childhood in Pentwater, Michigan then moved to Battle Creek, Michigan when she was 9. In 1964, during the Battle Creek Lakeview High School senior production of "The Mouse That Roared", Melinda met Dennis Young. She was sure he noticed her because of her turquoise shoes. They graduated from Lakeview in 1964, and were married September 17, 1966. In 1968 Melinda and Dennis moved to Rochester, Minnesota, where they welcomed their first child, John. In 1971 a daughter, Meredith, joined the family. The family moved to Charlotte, Michigan, in 1975. Melinda started work as an insurance underwriter for Century Mutual Insurance. The family also started attending First Congregational Church United Church of Christ. While there, Melinda and Dennis were active in choir and youth services. Melinda worked with the United Church of Christ conference and became the summer camp director at 2 conference camps, Pilgrim Haven and Talahi. She also got involved with the church's Boy Scout Troop 45. Melinda was the ultimate maternal figure, and took a position with BSA Chief Okemos Council as a senior district executive and camp director at Northwoods. She transferred to the West Michigan Council, and retired from BSA while there. Not satisfied with retirement, Melinda did some work with Camp Fire USA, and then settled into her perfect role as hostess for the Kopper Top in Grand Rapids. Throughout her childhood and into her adult life, Melinda's mother and oldest brother were very active in their own family genealogy. Going through her mother's records after her death, Melinda found information and photos of her grandmother and great-aunt who were members of Daughters of the American Revolution. In 2010, Melinda and her daughter were accepted as members of NSDAR. She joined the Michigan Dunes chapter and was immediately embraced by the ladies there, becoming chapter Regent. She was Corresponding Secretary for the chapter upon her death. Melinda felt great pride in her DAR membership and the patriotism, service and educational aspects that went with it. Melinda never met a stranger. Every person who had the pleasure of meeting her became her friend. She had 2 biological children but was Mom (and Mo) to countless others. She was generous and caring, and put all others above herself. She will be greatly missed by her many friends. Melinda was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Eddie and George, and her sister, Nancy. Melinda had said goodbye to the love of her life, Dennis, in January of 2023, and the hole left in her heart was huge. She leaves such a hole for her children, John (Jessica) of Kuna, Idaho; and Meredith (Jon-Michael) Dougherty of Washington DC; as well as her beloved grandchildren, James (Alison) of Mt Pleasant MI, Jordyn of Knoxville TN, John and Molly Dougherty of Washington DC, and Ben Staggs of Kuna ID. In addition, she leaves her older sister, Priscilla Scanlon; nieces, Laurie Scanlon and Karen (Jim) Brown; nephews, Patrick (Mary) Scanlon and Gary (Joyce) Ricketson, and numerous great-nieces and nephews. A memorial service has been set for Friday, June 30, 2023, at Beuschel Funeral Home, 5018 Alpine Drive NW in Comstock Park MI. Friends are encouraged to gather at 3pm; the celebratory service will start at 4pm. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Ronald McDonald House - a place near and dear to Melinda's heart: https://rmhcwm.org/ Service Details.