Melinda Celeste Ison

Melinda Ison, age 53, passed in her sleep on October 15, 2022. She was a resident of Williamsburg, OH for the past 21 years. Melinda was born on July 5, 1969 in Meridian, MS. Her parents are James and Kathy Ison of Westerville, OH.

Melinda resided in Maryland with her family from 1971 to 1984, where she attended the Special Education program in Prince Georges County, MD. In 1984, she moved with her family to Anderson Township in Cincinnati, OH. She graduated from Anderson High School in 1991 and attended Stepping Stones in Indian Hill, OH. She worked 10 years part-time as a busser at the Bob Evans restaurant. In October 2001, Melinda moved to Williamsburg, OH where she lived in a residential group home and attended Cane Run Farm activities.

Melinda was an active person who enjoyed bowling, dancing, horseback riding, swimming, walking, and even karate. She was an "artsy-person," especially enjoying paper crafts with markers, rubbers stamps, and scissors galore. She was always ready to help with various home chores. She was forever the biggest fan of Scooby Doo, owning every video ever made. She enjoyed religious and country music with a big highlight of visiting the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. She also attended concerts by Dwight Yoakam and Anne Murray. She liked singing, having her fingernails painted, and wearing sparkly rings. And no one appreciated Christmas any better than Melinda.

Melinda enjoyed a good laugh whether at her expense or someone else's. She especially loved going to "Grandma's house." A tradition was for her Dad to "forget" how to drive there, making many twists and turns in the neighborhood. From the back seat, Melinda would laugh uncontrollably and exclaim "No Dad, that way!" until he finally drove to the correct house, much to Melinda's relief.

Most of all Melinda was a loving person who cared about her friends, her caregivers, and especially her family. She was universally loved by those who knew her. Melinda gave the best hugs.

Melinda is survived by her parents, her two sisters Amy Abraham (Michael) of Middleton, ID and Tamara Cannon (James) of Lewis Center, OH, her two brothers Jon Ison (Julia) of Burlington, NC and Daniel Ison (Laura) of Loveland, OH, and 17 nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her grandparents PJ and Frances Jamison and Lee and Margaret Ison.

Melinda's family is extremely grateful for the many kindnesses shown by the excellent and loving staff of Residential Concepts Inc, by her caring case workers from Clermont County Board of Developmental Disabilities, and by others who blessed Melinda's life.

Donations may be made in Melinda's memory to Cane Run Farm, 4073 Tollgate Road, Batavia OH 45103.

Visitation will be Monday, October 24, 2022 from 10:30am until the time of service at 11:30am at Newcomer NE Chapel 3047 E. Dublin Granville Rd. Columbus. There will be a private family burial at Africa Cemetery in Lewis Center.